Elliot Anderson said he was always determined to make his £116m move to Manchester City happen after being officially unveiled by the club on Thursday.   

City had already announced at the start of this month that they had agreed a deal in principle to sign the England midfielder from Nottingham Forest. 

Anderson enjoyed two outstanding seasons at the City Ground after leaving his hometown club Newcastle United in 2024, helping Forest finish seventh in the Premier League in 2024-25 and reach the Europa League semi-finals last term.

In 2025-26, despite Forest battling against relegation and ultimately finishing 16th, Anderson had the most touches (3,300), won possession the most times (306), won the most duels (297) and drew the most fouls (80) of any player in the Premier League.

Having said farewell to Forest in a social media post on Tuesday, Anderson penned a five-year deal at the Etihad Stadium before outlining his excitement about playing at the top level.

"City are one of the biggest clubs in the world and the squad they have is amazing, they're so strong in every position," Anderson told City's website.

"As soon as I knew they wanted me, I was absolutely determined to make this move happen.   

"As a footballer, you want to test yourself at the highest level. Being at City means I have that opportunity.   

"From the outside looking in, City are a club that treats players well and provides the perfect environment to excel. 

"The success they have had, and the way they have played the game in the last 10 to 15 years, has been extraordinary. It's a privilege to be given the chance to be part of that.  

"It's a club built to win trophies and compete at the very top of the game. That is exciting for any footballer.   

"I am so happy to have been given this opportunity, and I am determined to repay the faith City have shown in me."

Anderson was one of three players to feature in all eight of England's matches at the World Cup, as they recorded their best-ever finish at the tournament on foreign soil, beating France in the third-place play-off.

Having formed a midfield partnership with Declan Rice, Anderson had 574 touches throughout the competition, with only Marc Guehi (607) having more for the Three Lions (574).

Among England players, Anderson also topped the charts for duels won (50), tackles (21), tackles won (18), interceptions (eight) and possession regains (42). 

Anderson's competitive debut for City could come against Arsenal – and his international team-mate Rice – in the Community Shield on August 16. Enzo Maresca's team then host Bournemouth in their Premier League opener on August 23.

Confirmation of Anderson's £116m move does not make him the most expensive British player ever, though, after Chelsea spent £117m on Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa.