Manchester City are on the verge of finalising a £116 million deal for Elliot Anderson, but the official announcement has been delayed as the midfielder prioritises his England duties at the World Cup. The 23-year-old completed a medical in Kansas after making his third appearance in the tournament during England's 2-0 win over Panama, passing all necessary checks to become a City player.
Transfer Announcement Delayed for England's World Cup Campaign
However, the final steps of the blockbuster transfer have been put on hold to allow Anderson to focus on England's last-32 clash against Congo DR on Wednesday. England manager Thomas Tuchel has emphasised the importance of keeping club matters separate from matchdays and the day before to ensure player concentration. This means the announcement is likely to come later in the week, with City coordinating with Nottingham Forest and the England camp to find the optimal timing.
With the medical completed and personal terms agreed, only the official confirmation remains. Anderson has been City's top target for months as part of a major midfield overhaul. The club needed to replace Bernardo Silva's minutes, and there is uncertainty surrounding several other midfielders, including Rodri and Mateo Kovacic, who are entering the final year of their contracts.
City's Summer Transfer Plans Beyond Anderson
City may sign another midfielder this summer, with Sandro Tonali and Ayyoub Bouaddi among the names under consideration. However, Anderson was always the priority, and the club is delighted to have secured him despite interest from Manchester United. He is seen as a direct replacement for Silva and demonstrates City's continued appeal to top talent even after Pep Guardiola's departure.
Enzo Maresca will succeed Guardiola, and Anderson will be the first major signing of the new era. In addition to midfield reinforcements, City are also targeting a right-back and a winger this summer.
