Elliot Anderson And Rodri Could Forge A Strong Manchester City Partnership, Carragher Argues

Elliot Anderson is expected to join Manchester City from Nottingham Forest for 116m, with Jamie Carragher predicting a powerful midfield partnership with Rodri. Reports in England state a full agreement is in place, with the fee set to be a new City record.

Anderson delivered elite numbers in the Premier League last season. The midfielder recorded 3,300 touches, more than any other player, and led the division for possession regains with 306, duels won with 297 and fouls won with 80, underlining an all-round influence.

The 23-year-old has already built a strong profile at Forest. Anderson arrived from Newcastle United in 2024, made 88 appearances, and guided the Tricky Trees to seventh in his debut campaign. Forest also advanced to the Europa League semi-finals last season with Anderson in the starting side.

Manchester City are preparing for life after Bernardo Silva, who left the Etihad Stadium for Real Madrid when the contract ended. Carragher believes Anderson can slot into that vacancy and reshape the Manchester City midfield, while the significant 116m outlay underlines the confidence in long-term impact.

Carragher expects the potential midfield pairing of Anderson and Rodri to become a major strength. The former Liverpool defender also noted interest from Real Madrid in Rodri, with Manchester City keen to keep Rodri in place and reinforce around the influential Spain international.

We willsee over the next four or five years [if he isworth the transfer fee], Carraghertold Sky Sports. If the player goes on to be a success for Manchester City, it will be worth it. It does feel like a lot right now, but we've said that about numerous players over the years. I think this is a deal City would've done if Pep Guardiola was still at the club, so I think it's not just about the [new] manager saying he likes the player,it was a deal City wanted to get done anyway. There were a lot of noises before. They want to keep Rodri at the club. There's noise around him as well with Real Madrid. When you think of Rodri and Bernardo Silva in the second half of last season, they were fantastic as a midfield pair. With Bernardo moving on to Real Madrid, I think it's the obvious spot for Elliot Anderson to join Rodri, and that will be a formidable midfield.

Anderson is also becoming a central figure for England. Under Thomas Tuchel, Anderson has started both of England’s games at the 2026 World Cup, showing versatility and composure. That international experience, combined with Premier League data, adds further weight to Manchester City’s interest in the midfielder.

For Manchester City, the anticipated arrival of Anderson, the departure of Bernardo Silva, and the desire to retain Rodri all intersect in midfield planning. The 116m move, if finalised, would reflect City’s belief that Anderson’s statistical profile and current England status can support domestic and European ambitions over several seasons.