The transfer of Elliot Anderson from Wallsend Boys, one of the most famous youth clubs in the Tyneside area, to becoming the second most expensive English player happened faster than he expected, but he believes his best is yet to come. Manchester City announced on Thursday their official signing of the English midfielder on a five-year contract from Nottingham Forest in a deal worth £116 million ($154.58 million), making it the second most expensive transfer for an English player after Morgan Rogers, the Aston Villa midfielder who moved to Chelsea two days earlier for £117 million. Anderson (23) will join his new team after a three-week break following the World Cup, during which he started seven of the eight matches he played for England. Anderson, who is Manchester City's most expensive signing ever, said in a club statement: 'I think everything happened quickly, but I always believed in my ability to reach this stage, and this is where I wanted to be.' He added: 'Now that I am here, I will continue to work hard and try to help this club move forward. I am still 23 years old, and I have plenty of time to reach my best level. I trust that I haven't reached it yet, and I still have a lot to give.' Anderson followed in the footsteps of several prominent English stars who played for Wallsend Boys, which has helped produce more than 92 professional footballers, including Alan Shearer, Michael Carrick, Steve Watson, Alan Thompson, Elliot Anderson, and Lee Clark. Anderson joined the Newcastle United academy and had a loan spell with Bristol Rovers before establishing himself in the first team. He then moved to Nottingham Forest for £35 million in 2024, making 92 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing 11 assists. Last season, Anderson was the English player with the most dribbles and carries in the Premier League, and also topped the list for the most accurate passes in the attacking third. Anderson says he will bring a variety of qualities to Manchester City as he joins a midfield featuring prominent names such as World Cup-winning Spain captain Rodri, Nico Gonzalez, Mateo Kovacic, Tijani Reinders, Ryan Sharqi, and Phil Foden. He explained: 'I think I offer almost everything. I have quality, physical strength, and energy. I hope to entertain the fans and get them excited, and to add more enthusiasm to the team. I like to play at a high tempo, put in a lot of effort all over the pitch, and give the fans what they deserve.'