Speculation about Man City will 'push' Anderson to World Cup heights, according to Tuchel
Elliot Anderson is focusing on the World Cup and is not affected by transfer news to Manchester City, according to coach Thomas Tuchel.
Elliot Anderson will not be distracted by the possibility of a big transfer to Manchester City after emerging as a key player for England in the build-up to the World Cup. This is the view of coach Thomas Tuchel, although he is aware that critics will pay attention to Anderson's price tag if he completes a move to the Etihad.
After two impressive seasons at Nottingham Forest, Anderson is one of the most sought-after players in the Premier League this summer. Manchester City have reportedly rejected two offers for him, with the second offer worth £120m including add-ons. The record fee for an English player is the £105m Arsenal paid to sign Declan Rice from West Ham in 2023, but Forest appear to be hoping for an amount that exceeds Liverpool's record signing of Alexander Isak last year, worth £125m.
Anderson is expected to play a key role alongside Rice at the World Cup, as England prepare for their opening match against Croatia next Wednesday. Asked if Anderson was distracted by rumors of Manchester City's interest, Tuchel said: "No comment! He doesn't seem to be affected. If that's true, it should just motivate him because it's proof of what he's capable of doing and the level at which he can perform. At the moment, it's like a motivation for him. Even if – if – a deal gets done, hopefully he's still the same person as before. No What will change overnight for him? If he wakes up, he's not a new player. People will try to tie this price around his neck but, in reality, nothing has changed. He just changed his club and that's the way the game is. Hopefully he just stays the same: a humble, determined and hungry footballer is no distractions, completely committed, that's what comes from him.
Anderson was involved in five of England's 2026 World Cup qualifying matches, in which he made four appearances, and also impressed in the 3-0 friendly win over Costa Rica on Wednesday. Only Ezri Konsa (575) and Dan Burn (490) completed more passes than Anderson (432) throughout the UEFA qualifying process, but he also surpassed Rice's 349 successful passes despite the Arsenal man participating in all eight matches. Anderson also leads all England players in regaining possession, with 43, 14 more than any other player (Konsa has 29).
Manchester City's interest in Anderson comes after the departure of legendary manager Pep Guardiola, with Enzo Maresca expected to take charge. This team is looking for midfield reinforcements after the departure of Bernardo Silva, who is said to have almost joined Real Madrid on a free transfer to reunite with Jose Mourinho.
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