-
Phil Foden noted that Anderson “enjoys finding the No.10 and delivering balls through the lines” – a style that complements him perfectly.
-
Mateo Kovacic lauded Anderson’s “quality and physicality,” stating that his addition is “fantastic for us.”
-
Both City players expressed their enthusiasm about collaborating with the club’s new record signing.
Phil Foden, along with Mateo Kovacic, has commended Manchester City‘s record signing Elliot Anderson as a significant addition to Enzo Maresca’s team.
Anderson made his move to Manchester City from Nottingham Forest in July for a fee of £116 million, becoming a central figure in Hugo Viana‘s rebuilding efforts at the Etihad Stadium.
After England finished third in the FIFA World Cup, the England international is currently on a break and is expected to rejoin the Manchester squad in a few weeks.
Manchester City confirms club record £116M signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest
Foden and Kovacic on Anderson: An Outstanding Signing!
Ahead of the K-League All Stars match, Foden was eager about what Anderson will bring to the team.
“I’m really excited to have him here!” Foden exclaimed. “I’ve seen him play and he enjoys finding the number 10 and threading passes through the lines, which I think connects really well with my style. I can’t wait to play alongside him!”
Mateo Kovacic shared his thoughts with BBC Sport’s Shamoon Hafez, stating: “He possesses a lot of quality and physicality, can cover ground well, and is effective both on and off the ball. Being young, he still has a lot of room to grow at Man City. It’s a fantastic signing for us.”
Manchester City’s Summer Transfer Activity
Anderson stands out as Manchester City’s most pivotal transfer this summer, emphasizing the level of ambition driving Enzo Maresca’s first season in charge.
The 23-year-old showcased his abilities during England’s journey to the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup in North America before finalizing his transfer details in Manchester, after which he was granted three weeks of rest by Maresca ahead of the 2026-27 season.
The negotiation process proved critical, with CEO Ferran Soriano personally intervening after Nottingham Forest’s owner Evangelos Marinakis was ready to withdraw. An agreement was achieved among Soriano, Marinakis, and Anderson’s agent David Manasseh, circumventing the sporting directors of both clubs to salvage the nearly collapsed deal.
Manchester City planning five summer signings with Elliot Anderson leading the rebuild
In addition to Anderson, Geronimo Rulli is nearing a move from Marseille to serve as a backup goalkeeper. Discussions are ongoing regarding further signings to strengthen the attacking and midfield positions, including the pursuit of Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille and renewed talks with Pedro Neto‘s representatives.