Nottingham Forest‘s Elliot Anderson is a midfielder with interest across the Premier League, with Liverpool named among those expected to be among his suitors.
Twenty-three-year-old Anderson has emerged as one of the most in-demand midfield options, with Forest reportedly demanding a fee of £80-100 million.
A versatile midfielder who can play as a No. 6 or 8, Anderson has impressed at Forest after moving from Newcastle in 2024 due to their PSR constraints.
He is named as a top target for Man City, with the Mail‘s Craig Hope also claiming that they are aware “both Liverpool and Manchester United will be interested in Anderson.”
“There is a feeling that a player who will likely be an England regular for several years is too good to pass by,” Hope explains, adding that the fee is prohibitive for Newcastle.
City, meanwhile, are also considering an approach for Bournemouth‘s Antoine Semenyo, who Liverpool have also been linked with as a release clause makes him available for £65 million in January.
Why Liverpool would be interested in Elliot Anderson
Although Ryan Gravenberch blossomed in the No. 6 role, Liverpool need depth and options in the position and that is what Anderson would offer.
He can play across the midfield and while similar to the Dutchman in that he has not always been a specialist defensive midfielder, his ability to dictate tempo and act as a connector sets him apart.
As per FBref, he ranks in the top eight percent for successful take-ons compared to players in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, and the top 14 percent for tackles + interceptions.
Per 90, Anderson has averaged 6.17 progressive passes per 90 compared to Gravenberch’s 4.98, in addition to 3.29 shot-creating actions to 2.41.
Anderson’s pass completion is slightly lower than Gravenberch’s (88.8% vs. 80.8%), but the Forest midfielder averages more clearances, blocks and tackles per 90.
Forest, of course, are out of possession more than Liverpool and that warps the figures somewhat, but Anderson is an energetic and talented midfield option.
Liverpool could do worse than look at the England international for a player who can combine defensive combativeness, on the ground and in the air, with attacking impetus.
Adam Wharton is another who has been tentatively linked to Liverpool as the obvious need to add to the midfield ranks has become increasingly apparent throughout the season so far.
The expectation is Liverpool will be in the market to address their need next summer, but neither Wharton nor Anderson are likely to be pursued without competition.