Manchester City are pressing ahead with a move to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in the summer transfer window
Manchester City will be sending a clear message to the rest of the Premier League this summer if they sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. The England international has been on City’s radar to replace Bernardo Silva for some time as they look to start the new era with a bang.
During Pep Guardiola’s time in Manchester, there was a consensus about the type of players who should arrive. Having the world class talent needed to succeed at the Etihad Stadium was one thing, but that alone was not enough for Guardiola.
He was forever eager to sign players who had the right mentality for life at a top club. This was shown during the January transfer window when both Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi arrived. Guardiola was confident both men could handle the step up.
“Antoine, we played against him many times in the last years and whether he can be top class or elite, we have to see,” Guardiola said.
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“The biggest stages in the Premier League, yes, but in the [Champions League] knockout stages in the position is a good test for him. How he will react. I’m pretty sure his mentality, I think he will handle it quite well.”
He then added on Guehi: “An incredible signing. His focus in every single detail in the game, in his private life, to be a professional is unbelievable. An unbelievable signing for Manchester City, we are really pleased with his behaviour, how he accepts bad moments and turns around immediately. That defines the big, big players in the big clubs. Really pleased.”
With Guardiola gone, the first signing of the new era looks like someone who fits this mould too. Anderson is with the England squad currently ahead of their World Cup opener vs Croatia on Wednesday.
When asked about Anderson’s links to City, Thomas Tuchel spoke in glowing terms. “He’s a top player. There’s nothing more to say, he’s the full package,” Tuchel admitted after England beat Costa Rica 3-0 in their final warm-up game.
“The bid? No comment. He seems not affected. I won’t speak to him about it. My assistant coach spoke with him about it but I won’t. It should push him because it’s proof of what he’s capable to do and what level he can perform. At the moment, it seems like a push for him.
“Even if a transfer is completed, hopefully he stays the same person. Hopefully he just stays the same – a humble, determined, hungry football player. Absolutely, he is very level-headed.
“I hope it boosts his confidence (if it happens). I don’t want to go into it too much if it’s a boost or not a boost – what I see on the training pitch is no distractions, full commitment, that’s what comes from him.”
All signs point towards City adding another good character to their group if Anderson joins. For that reason, there’s no doubt Guardiola would have given his stamp of approval to the deal.
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