Elliot Anderson’s form is exceptional at the moment. The 23-year-old Nottingham Forest defensive midfielder is the best player at his club at the moment. Moreover, he has also broken into the English national team this year and shone with his performance there, too.
Quite understandably, a number of big clubs are already chasing his signature at the moment. Both Manchester clubs have been linked with Anderson of late. Manchester United reportedly want him as a long-term option in midfield, but Anderson is reportedly keen to join Manchester City.
Elliot Anderson’s Form for Both Club and Country
Anderson registered 55 appearances for his boyhood club, Newcastle United, prior to coming to Nottingham Forest. He is into his second season at Forest and has racked up 59 appearances for his new club so far, scoring three goals in the process.
However, it is evident that scoring goals is not his forte as the Nottingham Forest defensive midfielder. He provides his team with a sense of assurance and defensive solidity in the middle third. He won a couple of Man of the Match awards for the Three Lions as well.
He has made only six international appearances for England so far, but has already become one of the most talked-about players in the set-up of the national team. Thus, Elliot Anderson’s form makes him a certainty in the national team XI alongside Declan Rice.
Aside from performing well in the remainder of the season, Anderson will get next year’s World Cup as an opportunity to showcase his talent as a player. Hence, it can be assumed without any doubt that he will be one of the cherished players in the transfer activities next summer.
That is, however, assuming that clubs like Manchester City and Manchester United do not come calling for him in the January transfer window itself. Should that happen, we might find Anderson changing allegiance next month itself.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Who Is the Best Right-Back in the Premier League? Reece James vs The Rest – How the Cobham Academy Graduate Ended the Debate
Both Manchester City and Manchester United Need a Defensive Midfielder
The Cityzens have Rodri and Nico Gonzalez, but the former has become injury-prone of late. Moreover, he will turn 30 next year and hence, might not be a suitable long-term option for the club. Nico Gonzalez has been decent at best for Man City and is yet to cement his place in the starting XI.
The situation at Manchester United is even more desperate. They have had Bruno Fernandes playing in the double-pivot alongside Casemiro this season, which is definitely not the Portuguese’s preferred playing position.
Moreover, Casemiro is 33 already and has left his best years as a player behind him. Hence, United could do with the signing of a player of the quality of Anderson, especially when the youngster named Kobbie Mainoo finds himself out of favour with their manager, Ruben Amorim.
Mainoo has played in only 10 matches for Manchester United this season and has already been linked with a move to Arsenal.
Anderson could be a very good replacement for him, but Manchester United’s inability to ensure participation in UEFA Champions League football regularly could persuade Anderson to opt for Manchester City ultimately. Whichever club he opts to join, it can be said without a doubt that he will attract a hefty transfer fee.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Sports Press Photo
Recording Date: 03.12.2025
