From Wallsend Boys Club to Man City's record signing, Anderson eyes next step

LONDON, July 23 : Elliot Anderson says his rise from youth player at one of Tyneside's renowned boys' clubs to become England's most expensive transfer at the time of his move to Manchester City has been steeper than he expected, but says the best is yet to come.

England midfielder Anderson, whose signing on a five-year deal from Nottingham Forest was made official on Thursday, cost City a reported £116 million ($154.58 million) although Chelsea subsequently paid a little more for Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers.

The 23-year-old will join up with City after a three-week break following the World Cup in which he started seven of England's eight games.

"I guess it's happened quite quick, but I think I always believed that I could get to this point and this is where I want to be," Anderson, City's record signing, said in a club statement.

"Now that I'm here, I'll keep pushing and try to take this club forward. I'm only 23, so I've got plenty of time to get to my best levels and I definitely think I'm not there yet and there's more to come from me."

Anderson followed the path of several England greats at Wallsend Boys Club which is where the likes of former Newcastle United and England striker Alan Shearer and midfielder Peter Beardsley also began their journeys.

He passed through Newcastle's youth ranks and had a spell on loan at Bristol Rovers before establishing himself in the first team. He subsequently moved to Forest for £35 million in 2024, going on to make 92 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing 11 assists.

All-action midfielder Anderson was the highest-ranking English player in terms of ball carries in last year's Premier League and completed the most passes in the final third.

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