Updated: 27 Apr 2026 15:50 BST |
5 min read
Elliot Anderson’s ‘destiny’ has been revealed amid a battle between Manchester City and Manchester United for the Nottingham Forest and England midfield star.
City’s players believe they have won the race for Anderson, with the Daily Mail reporting that they believe the 23-year-old is “destined” to join the club in the summer.
The former Newcastle man is seen as the centrepiece to what is predicted to be a hectic transfer window for Pep Guardiola’s side, who are also expected to move for additional reinforcements in the wide areas and also at right-back.
However, there have been no talks held over a transfer fee. It is reported that this will only take place after Nottingham Forest have secured their place in the Premier League next season.
This opens a window of opportunity for United to strike for a player who is seen as their dream target in the midfield.
Elliot Anderson: Why he should pick Man Utd
Anderson’s decision to pick City ahead of United is a mistake, according to data analytics firm SciSports. Its Career Advice tool rates moves based on a wide variety of metrics, from development and pitch time to playing style and formation, assigning each team a Club Fit score. The higher the mark, the better the move.
United come out comfortably on top of City in this regard. The Old Trafford side scores a decent 71, notably offering Anderson strong assurances in terms of playing time. While there are serious concerns over both their style and formation, with the Red Devils in a state of renovation both in terms of management and on the playing front, it is likely these figures will have improved by the start of next season.
By contrast, City score just 64, which is a mediocre score. While he is seen as a neat fit into Guardiola’s formation, there are concerns over his playing time at the Etihad Stadium.
While this may seem surprising, City have a history of struggling to integrate big-money England international signings into their plans.
Jack Grealish arrived from Aston Villa amid much fanfare but never produced his best form under Guardiola, while Kalvin Phillips has endured a nightmare spell at the Etihad after making a €49m deal from Leeds United. He is currently out injured, but had spent the second half of the season on loan in the Championship with Sheffield United.
Huge asking price blocks best possible move
Anderson’s absolutely optimal move is thought to be to Serie A, where SciSports believes he would be exceptionally well suited. Roma come out on top here with a superb Club Fit score of 84, but Juventus (81), Napoli (77) and AC Milan (76) also rate well.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, his former club Newcastle are seen as the best English option, with a Club Fit of 82.
Of course, none of these clubs will realistically be able to afford the mammoth fee that Nottingham Forest will hold out for. This is likely to be well in excess of €100m, though reports have claimed that owner Evangelos Marinakis wants to match the Premier League record fee of €145m – an ambitious and unlikely aim.
The leaves City and United as Anderson’s two most realistic options, and while he may favour Guardiola’s side, the evidence suggests that the smarter move is to United.
Related stories:
Man City’s ‘big bid’ for Elliot Anderson – the surprising truth about his transfer value
Transfer Rumours: Tonali makes Man Utd decision as ‘big’ offer ready
Man Utd Transfer News Today: Talks open over €50m midfielder as Fabrizio Romano confirms interest
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