First signing of the Maresca era

Manchester City have officially confirmed the signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. The announcement arrived on the club's official website today, making Anderson the first arrival of the Enzo Maresca era.

The formalities of the deal will be completed when Anderson returns to England. The 23-year-old is currently away with England at this summer's World Cup, where he has been playing a key role for his country.

Record deal

As previously reported by David Ornstein for The Athletic, City will pay Forest £116 million for the midfielder. That fee makes Anderson City's record signing, surpassing the £100 million paid to bring Jack Grealish from Aston Villa. It also makes Anderson the most expensive British player in history, taking the crown from Jude Bellingham, who cost Real Madrid £115 million.

What Anderson brings

Anderson made 50 appearances in all competitions for Forest last season, scoring four goals and adding five assists. But those numbers don't tell the full story of why City were so keen to land him.

The England international is elite at winning duels and possession — exactly what City's midfield needs after losing Bernardo Silva. Anderson has the physicality and speed to cover the pitch, though he is a different type of player to the Portuguese. He can dominate the physical battle and will add another dimension to City's midfield.

According to Squawka data, Anderson was the only player to win possession 300 times or more across Europe's top five leagues last season.

In possession, Anderson is elite at breaking the lines with his passing, something that has stood out at the World Cup and during his time at Forest. His ability to play the ball behind defences should greatly aid Erling Haaland. He is also an elite dribbler, powering through midfield with the ball at his feet.

Room to grow

There is a sense Anderson could add more goals and assists playing in a Maresca side that will likely dominate possession. He is expected to partner Rodri in midfield, a pairing that has the potential to become a dominant force.

At 23, Anderson is already established as one of the Premier League's elite midfielders. If he continues to develop at City, he could become one of the pre-eminent midfielders in European football.