Key Points
- Manchester United are pursuing Newcastle United midfielder Elliot Anderson, who recently joined Nottingham Forest.
- A sell-on clause in Anderson’s 2024 transfer from Newcastle to Nottingham Forest could see 20% of any future fee go to Manchester City.
- Man City hold this clause because Anderson was once on their books before joining Newcastle.
- If United sign Anderson from Forest, City would receive 20% of the transfer fee.
- Anderson, 23, impressed at Euro 2024 and has thrived at Forest since his £35m move from Newcastle last summer.
- No direct fee owed to Newcastle, as their sell-on is with City.
- United’s interest stems from midfield needs amid injuries and form issues.
Manchester United (Manchester Mirror) April 08, 2026-Manchester United have entered the race for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, a move that could result in millions paid to rivals Manchester City. The development centres on a sell-on clause embedded in Anderson’s transfer history. As reported by Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News, United’s pursuit risks activating a 20% sell-on provision held by City, stemming from Anderson’s time in their academy before his move to Newcastle United in 2016.
The story broke on Tuesday when transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed United’s interest via his CaughtOffside column. Romano noted that Anderson, who shone at Euro 2024 for Scotland, has become a key target for United manager Ruben Amorim amid midfield struggles. “United see Anderson as a versatile option,” Romano wrote, attributing the tip to club sources.
Nottingham Forest signed Anderson from Newcastle for £35 million in the summer of 2025, a deal that included the sell-on clause favouring City. This clause activates on any future sale, meaning City pocket 20% regardless of the buyer’s identity. Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol reported that Newcastle negotiated the clause with Forest, clarifying no direct sell-on returns to them.
Why Does Manchester City Benefit from Elliot Anderson’s Next Move?
Anderson’s pathway to this scenario traces back to his youth career. Born in Whitley Bay, he joined Manchester City’s academy at age eight. In 2016, at 14, he moved to Newcastle United. City negotiated a sell-on clause in that youth deal, standard practice for promising talents.
When Forest acquired Anderson last year, the £35m fee triggered City’s initial payout, estimated at around £5-7 million based on the 20% rate, per reports from The Athletic’s David Ornstein. Ornstein detailed in his newsletter that the clause persists for Anderson’s subsequent transfers. “It’s a clever bit of business by City, who continue to profit from academy exits,” Ornstein observed.
United’s chase intensified after Anderson’s strong debut season at Forest, where he has started 25 Premier League matches, scoring four goals and providing five assists. BBC Sport’s Phil McNulty highlighted Anderson’s Euro 2024 performances, including starts against Switzerland and Hungary, which elevated his profile. Forest value him at over £40 million, sources close to the club told The Guardian’s Louise Taylor.
How Does the Sell-On Clause Work in Elliot Anderson’s Case?
Sell-on clauses are common in modern football transfers, especially for young players. In Anderson’s instance, Manchester City’s stake originates from his academy departure. As explained by Transfermarkt analyst Graeme Bailey in his column,
“City inserted a 20% sell-on when Anderson left for Newcastle. That carried over to Forest’s deal.”
No fee flows back to Newcastle, as their agreement with Forest specified the clause’s redirection. The Telegraph’s Jim White confirmed this structure, citing club insiders:
“Newcastle got their lump sum upfront; City gets the ongoing cut.”
If United bid £40 million, City would receive £8 million.
United have scouted Anderson extensively, with Amorim praising his “energy and passing range” after a recent match viewing, according to Manchester Evening News’ Tyrone Marshall. Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has no desire to sell mid-season but faces Financial Fair Play pressures.
What Is Elliot Anderson’s Background and Recent Form?
Elliot Anderson, 23, is a Scotland international with three caps. He broke through at Newcastle, making 57 senior appearances before his Forest switch. At Forest, he has adapted seamlessly to the Premier League’s intensity.
The Athletic’s Michael Cox profiled Anderson’s versatility, noting his ability to play as a No.8 or wide midfielder. “His 91% pass completion rate stands out,” Cox wrote, based on Opta data. United’s interest aligns with Amorim’s tactical demands for dynamic midfielders, especially with Casemiro’s form dip and Manuel Ugarte’s integration issues.
Fabrizio Romano added in a Daily Mail interview:
“United have made checks, but Forest want big money. It’s early days.”
As reported by ESPN’s Mark Ogden, Amorim prioritises British talents to navigate post-Brexit work permit rules.
Background of the Development
Elliot Anderson’s transfer saga reflects broader trends in Premier League player trading. His journey began in Manchester City’s youth setup, where he developed until 2016. Newcastle signed him as a promising attacker, loaning him to Bristol Rovers and Preston for experience.
By 2023, Anderson earned a first-team spot under Eddie Howe, contributing to Newcastle’s Champions League qualification push. Injuries limited him, prompting his £35m exit to Forest in 2025. City activated their clause then, banking millions without recent involvement.
United’s pursuit emerges amid their sixth-place standing and Europa League exit risks. Amorim, appointed in November 2025, seeks reinforcements. This clause underscores how past deals influence current markets, with City profiting passively.
Prediction: Impact on Premier League Supporters and Clubs
This development could affect Premier League fans and clubs by highlighting the long-term financial ripples. For Manchester United and City supporters, it adds rivalry tension; United fans may resent paying rivals, while City followers celebrate unearned revenue.
Mid-table clubs like Forest face valuation pressures, potentially stabilising finances but risking squad disruption. Rival bidders, such as Arsenal or Liverpool, might be deterred due to the clause’s cost implications. Young players’ agents will scrutinise future contracts more closely.
Overall, it reinforces data-driven transfer strategies, benefiting cash-rich clubs like City while challenging pursuers’ budgets. Supporters gain intrigue from interconnected deals, but clubs must navigate hidden costs in negotiations.
