Man City speculation should ‘push’ Anderson to greater World Cup heights, says Tuchel

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Elliot Anderson will not be distracted by the prospect of a huge transfer to Manchester City after emerging as a key player for England in their World Cup preparations.

That is the view of Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel, though the German is aware critics will focus on Anderson’s price tag if he completes his move to the Etihad Stadium.

Following two hugely impressive seasons at Nottingham Forest, Anderson is one of the Premier League’s most in-demand players this summer.

City have reportedly had two bids for his services turned down already, with the second of those offers being worth £120m including add-ons.

The record fee for a British player is the £105m Arsenal paid to acquire Declan Rice from West Ham in 2023, but Forest are seemingly hoping to extract a figure that eclipses Liverpool’s Premier League-record signing of Alexander Isak last year, which was worth £125m.

Anderson is expected to play a key role alongside Rice at the World Cup, as England build towards their opening fixture against Croatia next Wednesday.

And when asked if Anderson would be distracted by the reports of City’s interest, Tuchel said: “No comment! He seems not to be affected. 

“If that’s the case, it should just push him because it’s proof of what he’s capable of doing and what level he can perform at. At the moment, it seems like a push for him.

“Even if – if – a transfer is completed, hopefully he stays the same person. Nothing will change overnight with him. If he wakes up, he’s not a new player.

“People will try to hang this price around his neck but, in reality, nothing changes. He just changes his club and that’s the rule of the game.

“Hopefully he just stays the same; a humble, determined, hungry football player.

“I don’t want to go into it too much, whether it’s a boost or not a boost. What I see on the training pitch is no distractions, full commitment, that’s what comes from him.”

Anderson appeared in five of England’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers, starting four times, while he also impressed during Wednesday’s 3-0 friendly win over Costa Rica. 

Only Ezri Konsa (575) and Dan Burn (490) completed more passes for the Three Lions throughout the UEFA qualification process than Anderson (432), who bettered Rice’s 349 successful passes despite the Arsenal man appearing in all eight matches.  

Anderson also led all England players for possession regains, with 43, which was 14 more than any other player (Konza had 29).

City’s move for Anderson comes after the departure of iconic manager Pep Guardiola, with Enzo Maresca expected to take the reins.

The Citizens are looking for midfield reinforcements after the exit of Bernardo Silva, who is reportedly close to joining Real Madrid on a free transfer to link up with Jose Mourinho.

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