Medical moved to Kansas City
Manchester City’s plans to finalise the signing of Elliot Anderson have required a last-minute change, with the location of the midfielder’s medical shifted.
Originally scheduled to take place in New York on Friday morning, the testing will now be conducted at City’s training base in Kansas City, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
The alteration came about due to shifting tournament requirements and tactical preparations, with Anderson having started for England against Panama on Saturday night.
City moved decisively to line up a club-record package for the 22-year-old, despite rival suitors including Manchester United attempting to disrupt the process. The aim is to have the midfielder integrated into the squad well before the August 23 Premier League opener against Bournemouth.
Executing a deal of this magnitude during the heart of the World Cup was always going to bring challenges, but the recruitment department has worked efficiently alongside the Football Association to navigate obstacles.
Anderson has firmly established himself as a vital cog in Thomas Tuchel’s midfield, accumulating key top-level experience while anchoring England through a well-battled group phase in North America.
He proved his durability and focus in an impressive 84-minute performance during the Three Lions’ 2-0 victory over Panama, demonstrating that the external transfer talk has failed to disrupt his on-pitch concentration.
Once the final administrative signatures are finalised, the £116 million midfielder will become the most expensive British player in football history, officially kickstarting Enzo Maresca’s summer squad build.
The rapid relocation of medical testing procedures highlights the level of cooperation running between Manchester City’s medical department and club officials, alongside England’s staff.