- Manchester United fans excited at Rodri news
- Anderson transfer could be back on the cards
- World Cup performances could inflate price further
Manchester United supporters are keeping a close eye on a developing situation that could boost their chances of landing Elliot Anderson.
While the Nottingham Forest midfielder has been a name of interest for some time, a recent move involving rivals Manchester City has sparked fresh optimism amongst fans.
The shift in narrative follows reports regarding a high-profile contract renewal at Manchester City. It could potentially clear a path for United to secure the 22-year-old’s signature in the summer.
Rodri Renewal to Create Domino Effect
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Man City have offered a new contract to midfield star Rodri. The 2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or winner has been the subject of interest from Real Madrid. He recently flirted with the prospect of joining the La Liga side.
He said: “The fact that I played for Atlético Madrid does not stop me from playing for Real Madrid. You cannot refuse the best clubs in the world.” The Spaniard has endured a difficult spell in football since winning the Ballon d’Or trophy. He suffered from an ACL tear in September 2024 and has never looked the same player since.
Rodri previously played for Villarreal between 2015 to 2018. He later moved to Atletico for a year before making the move to England.
Pep Guardiola’s move to retain him may be sentimental, but it has acted as a move for Manchester United fans to get excited. Consequently, City’s pursuit of Anderson, who is a defensive midfielder, may cool. As a leading player for Forest and now England, Anderson may feel hesitant to have a transitional season where he is not a regular starter.
Similarly, midfielder Kalvin Phillips joined the Blues at the height of his Leeds and England career in 2022. However, it should serve as a warning that football waits for nobody. The Yorkshireman is now on loan at Sheffield United, having fallen out of favour under Guardiola.
On social media, supporters were quick to connect the dots between Rodri and Anderson.
One fan posted: “The start of the domino effect in United getting Anderson.” Another fan added: “Surely if he signs it increases our chance of Anderson no?”
A third supporter went even further, stating: “If that’s the case, Elliot Anderson to Manchester United HERE WE GO.”
Anderson Can Fix the Midfield
Anderson is a one-stop solution to replacing the outgoing Casemiro this summer. Other names linked such as Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba are expensive in their own right, but would require additional signings to thrive. In the case of Anderson, United can invest without building a team around him.
However, the Forest midfielder could cost around the region of £80m. Qualifying for Champions League football makes the move to United much more attractive than in recent seasons.
The midfielder is also expected to be one of the first names on Thomas Tuchel’s team sheet this summer for England. Before the World Cup inflates his market price further, the Reds need to act quickly and decide who will be Casemiro’s successor.
