A compressed timeline of the Anderson file — from Forest engine room to Etihad midfield.
Phase one — valuation
Forest priced a midfielder who led the league in duels won (297) and touches (3,308), while also taking set pieces. City treated him as a multi-year spine piece, not a rotation luxury.
Phase two — structure
Instalments and wage hierarchy entered the room. Social media raced ahead of medical logistics — classic window behaviour.
Phase three — sealed (23 July)
Deal confirmed. The sporting case is elite; the risk is the fee itself — sustaining that price tag across Guardiola-level standards.
What City bought
| Trait | 2025-26 signal | City need |
|---|---|---|
| Duels | League-high 297 | Midfield physicality |
| Touches | 3,308 | Progression under press |
| Set pieces | Forest taker | Dead-ball variety |
| Age | 23 | Peak window ahead |