Anderson to City for £116m, medical in New York today
It is done, or as good as. Elliot Anderson is joining Manchester City from Nottingham Forest for £116 million, making the 23-year-old the most expensive British player in history (1) (2). The medical is booked for today, Friday, in New York, with Anderson currently at the World Cup with England (3). Thomas Tuchel confirmed the arrangement: "The doctor is ready to take any medical if needed" (3). City have handed Anderson a five-year contract with an option to extend by 12 months, and the deal could reach £300,000 per week if all bonuses are triggered.
Anderson could still face Panama on Saturday
The medical on Friday does not rule Anderson out of England's World Cup group match against Panama on Saturday (3). Tuchel has not shut the door, and with Declan Rice also in the squad, Anderson may yet feature. England opened their campaign earlier this week and face Croatia and Ghana later in the group.
Malo Gusto link surfaces through Maresca
Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto is being linked with a move to City, driven by Enzo Maresca's good relationship with the defender from their Chelsea days (4). The new manager is expected to reshape the squad after arriving from Stamford Bridge, and Gusto could be an early target. Marco Palestra is also mentioned in the same reports.
Fan reactions
The Anderson price tag has split opinion. Some fans see the £116 million fee and point to Ilkay Gundogan's praise of Anderson as a sign the club know exactly what they are buying, one post put it plainly: "If Ilkay is praising his replacement this much then we know we're in for a treat." Others are still processing what it means for the midfield under Maresca. The mood is cautiously excited but waiting for the medical to be confirmed. Full discussion on r/MCFC
