Harry Maguire is doing punditry work at the World Cup instead of playing in it. And that might be the only reason we’re getting this kind of honest talk about a Premier League midfielder who just might be the next big thing.
The Manchester United defender spent time around Elliot Anderson during England camps and came away genuinely impressed. So impressed, in fact, that he’s now comparing the Nottingham Forest man to Arsenal’s Declan Rice.
“He’s got absolutely everything,” Maguire said on Netflix’s The Rest of Football podcast. “He reminds me of Declan Rice in some aspects in terms of his profile. He’s good on the ball. He can drive with the ball. He’s got an eye for goal as well, to say he’s playing number six at the minute. But he’s one of those — I think he could play 10, 8, 6. He’s that good.”
Man United walked away from the price
Here’s where it gets complicated. According to multiple reports, Nottingham Forest want £130 million for Anderson. That’s the number that made Manchester United’s decision for them. INEOS, the club’s co-owners, simply won’t go that high.
Man City have already had a £121 million bid turned down by Forest. So the price is real. And United, who desperately need midfield help, have shifted their focus to Sporting CP’s Mateus Fernandes instead.
The Red Devils had Anderson as a long-term target. They’ve already wrapped up a deal for Atalanta’s Ederson Silva. But the second midfield signing they wanted? Apparently not at £130 million.
Anderson is showing why the price exists
Anderson started for England in their World Cup opener against Croatia this week. He played 70 minutes in a 4-2 win. That’s not nothing. Thomas Tuchel clearly trusts him in big moments.
And Maguire’s take carries weight because he’s seen the kid up close in training. He wasn’t in the England squad for a year and came back to find a bunch of new faces. Anderson stood out.
“I knew he was a good player,” Maguire said. “And in training, he impressed me even more than I knew.”
At 23 years old, Anderson has already played for Newcastle and Forest. He’s versatile enough to play as a six, an eight, or even a 10. That kind of flexibility in a modern midfielder is exactly what top clubs are supposed to pay for.
Forest just might hold out for that £130 million. And if Anderson keeps playing like he did against Croatia, someone’s going to pay it. Just not Manchester United.
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