Elliot Anderson has become a powerhouse in the Premier League’s midfield but Manchester United shouldn’t spend £100m on his signing.
That’s what The Pitch Prospect’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook says as United remain linked with the Nottingham Forest star.
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Anderson has excelled in Forest’s midfield and was rewarded with his first England appearances this season.
The Pitch Prospect reported last month that United valued the 23-year-old, although no talks had taken place.
Forest reportedly values Anderson at around £100 million, which is how much Manchester City paid for Jack Grealish in 2021.
It would make Anderson one of the most expensive players in Premier League history, but Crook doesn’t believe he’s worth the fee.
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Speaking on The Pitch Prospect about United’s interest, he said: “That’s not going to happen in January.”
“I would be surprised if United do much in January, perhaps bringing Conor Gallagher on loan if he is available is a possibility. And Conor, who is trying to force his way back into the England squad, could be willing to do that.”
“It’s a big jump for Elliot Anderson, isn’t it? Considering they paid.” [Newcastle United] 35 million pounds for him.
“Is he a £100 million player? I think he’s a really good player, I’m not sure he’s worth that much.”
Anderson is “one of the best out there”
Sitting next to Crook was former Premier League defender Scott Minto, who raved about Anderson’s success in midfield.
“As far as price goes, if you’re Forest why would you spend £100m? If someone is willing to pay that then that’s fine.”
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Minto added: “But let me tell you, he is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League at the moment.”
“Honestly, if you look at the way he plays you can see how he has grown in the England jersey…
“It’s a tough time to be a Forest player at the moment but he always wants the ball, he always protects it.”
“He knows what needs to be done, he’s happy when he has someone right next to him who gets it anyway.”
“His vertical passes… If you look at his stats in the Premier League, not just at Forest, he’s honestly such a good player. And to get to the point where…
“I compared him to a former world-class player and I’m not saying that. Only in terms of style, not in terms of his level.”
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“But top players play football at their own pace and everyone is running around, and yet he looks like he’s two or three gears slower, and yet he controls the game.”
“Let me tell you, he’s one of the best out there right now.”
Anderson’s season so far
Despite playing under three different managers, Anderson was still one of the first names on the team sheet that season.
He started all of Forest’s 11 Premier League games, scoring one goal and assisting another.
Anderson has also played all but one of the Europa League games.
At international level, he helped England qualify for the 2026 World Cup by appearing in the final five games of Group K.