# Maresca leads City through transition and massive squad resh > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/elliot-anderson-transfer-saga > Updated: 2026-09-08T21:12:36.000Z. Sources: 639. Developments: 45. Enzo Maresca’s appointment as Manchester City’s head coach in mid-2026 marks a period of significant tactical and squad transition following Pep Guardiola’s departure. While Maresca has described succeeding Guardiola as a “huge privilege,” he has also noted the task could be “impossible” and has emphasized the need for improved clinical finishing. As the club navigates a major squad overhaul, the status of midfielder Rodri has been a focal point. Following his departure to Barcelona, Maresca stated the club aims to find a “new Rodri.” To bolster the squad, City has reportedly reached an agreement to sign 22-year-old Brazilian winger Alan Elias from Palmeiras for approximately £32 million plus bonuses. Recent transfer activity has seen City execute a massive overhaul, reportedly spending approximately €530 million on incoming transfers this summer—the highest expenditure of any club in the window. This includes the acquisition of Elliot Anderson for €135 million and Ayoub Bouadía for €95 million. The club also secured Enzo Fernández from Chelsea for €146 million, following reports that the midfielder had reached a verbal agreement on personal terms. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso previously noted that Fernández’s exclusion from a Carabao Cup match was due to rotation and team needs, though Chelsea has looked toward Lamine Camara of AS Monaco as a potential replacement. Despite facing 115 charges of financial misconduct, Director of football Hugo Viana has continued the recruitment strategy to ensure the squad remains title-competitive. City began their 2026-2027 Premier League campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Bournemouth, following a difficult 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal. ## Claims - Enzo Maresca was appointed as Manchester City manager, succeeding Pep Guardiola. (disputed by 6 sources) - Manchester City has signed Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille on a five-year contract. (disputed by 5 sources) - Pep Guardiola left Manchester City after ten years, winning six Premier League titles, one Champions League, three FA Cups and one Club World Cup. (disputed by 4 sources) - Manchester City are in talks with Lille for forward Ayyoub Bouaddi, with price expectations above £85 million and possibly up to £116 million. (disputed) - Enzo Fernandez was left out of Chelsea's squad for the Carabao Cup match against Luton Town. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso stated that Enzo Fernandez's absence from the Carabao Cup match against Luton Town was a collective decision for the team. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Enzo Fernandez is expected to sign a contract with Manchester City until 2032. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Manchester City released a new away kit for the 2026/27 season. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Chelsea defeated Luton Town 2-0 in the Carabao Cup. (corroborated by 6 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-08: Manchester City enters new era under Enzo Maresca Following Pep Guardiola's departure, Enzo Maresca's Manchester City maintains a strong start to the season despite player fatigue concerns raised by Erling Haaland ahead of the Manchester derby. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-city-enters-new-era-under-enzo-maresca ### 2026-08-25: Chelsea defeats Luton Town 2-0 amid Enzo Fernández transfer rumors Chelsea defeated Luton Town 2-0 in the Carabao Cup amid intense speculation that Enzo Fernández has reached a verbal agreement to join Manchester City for a record fee. 129 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-city-secures-2-1-comeback-win-against-bournemouth ### 2026-08-23: Manchester City prepares for squad rebuild under Enzo Maresca Following Pep Guardiola's departure and Rodri's move to Barcelona, Manchester City's new manager Enzo Maresca is preparing for a squad rebuild, including the reported signing of Palmeiras forward Alan Elias. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-city-prepares-for-squad-rebuild-under-enzo-maresca ### 2026-08-23: Manchester City secures dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Bournemouth Manchester City overcame Bournemouth with a 2-1 comeback win in the Premier League opener, featuring late goals from Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol, while Erling Haaland debuted a new buzz cut. 351 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-city-faces-bournemouth-in-premier-league-opener ### 2026-08-17: Manchester City faces transition after Community Shield loss and squad overhaul Manchester City faces a challenging new era under Enzo Maresca following a 3-0 Community Shield loss to Arsenal and major midfield restructuring amid the departure of Rodri. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-city-faces-transition-after-community-shield-loss-and-squad-overhaul ### 2026-08-09: Enzo Maresca discusses succeeding Pep Guardiola at Manchester City Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca discusses the challenge of succeeding Pep Guardiola following a 3-1 pre-season victory over Atletico Madrid in Seoul, highlighted by two goals from Omar Marmoush. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/enzo-maresca-discusses-succeeding-pep-guardiola-at-manchester-city ### 2026-08-08: Enzo Maresca outlines tactics and Rodri's return at Manchester City Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca introduces a merit-based squad approach and confirms midfielder Rodri is expected to return to training on August 14 amid ongoing transfer rumors. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/enzo-maresca-outlines-tactics-and-rodris-return-at-manchester-city ### 2026-08-03: Antoine Semenyo praises attacking freedom under Manchester City’s new manager Enzo Maresca Antoine Semenyo lauds Manchester City’s new manager Enzo Maresca for giving wingers freedom, after a promising pre‑season draw with Inter Milan. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antoine-semenyo-praises-attacking-freedom-under-manchester-citys-new-manager-enzo-maresca ### 2026-07-30: Manchester City unveils 2026/27 away kit with worker‑bee design Manchester City’s 2026/27 away kit, black with yellow worker‑bee motifs, launched on a floating pitch in Hong Kong and will debut against Inter Milan on 1 Aug, with Puma supplying it under a ten‑year deal. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-city-begins-new-chapter-with-manager-enzo-maresca-as-rodris-future-looms ### 2026-07-25: Enzo Maresca takes charge of Manchester City, eyes new signings Enzo Maresca replaces Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, pledges a distinct style and seeks signings like Malo Gusto, Enzo Fernández and Ayyoub Bouaddi while prepping a pre‑season Asian tour. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/enzo-maresca-vows-distinct-approach-as-new-manchester-city-manager ### 2026-07-23: Enzo Maresca appointed Manchester City manager Enzo Maresma takes over Manchester City, vows continuity of Guardiola’s style, confirms Rodri’s back surgery and contract, keeps Grealish, eyes Malo Gusto, and outlines preseason plans. 45 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-city-targets-enzo-fernandez-as-enzo-maresca-begins-as-coach ### 2026-07-23: Elliot Anderson joins Manchester City in record £116 million transfer Elliot Anderson moves from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City for a record £116 million fee, signing a five‑year deal under new manager Enzo Maresca. 30 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-city-completes-record-elliott-anderson-signing ### 2026-07-20: Manchester City names Enzo Maresca as new manager Manchester City appointed Enzo Maresca as manager, succeeding Pep Guardiola; he began preparations, will hold a press conference, and lead pre‑season games before the Community Shield. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-city-names-enzo-maresca-as-new-manager ### 2026-07-19: Elliot Anderson joins Manchester City from Nottingham Forest for £116 million Elliot Anderson moves to Manchester City for a British‑record £116 million, leaving Nottingham Forest after a standout spell; former United captain Bryan Robson says United should have matched the fee. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/elliot-anderson-joins-manchester-city-from-nottingham-forest-for-116-million ### 2026-07-18: Manchester City begins pre‑season under new boss Enzo Maresca Enzo Maresca kicks off Manchester City’s pre‑season with fringe players, tackles squad size and captaincy issues, and plans an Asian tour starting in Hong Kong on 1 August. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-city-begins-preseason-under-new-boss-enzo-maresca ### 2026-07-14: Nottingham Forest moves to lock in key players as transfer speculation grows Nottingham Forest are securing key players, with Ibrahim Sangare close to a new deal and Neco Williams linked to Tottenham, while the club seeks replacements after Elliot Anderson's £116 m exit. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nottingham-forest-moves-to-lock-in-key-players-as-transfer-speculation-grows ### 2026-07-04: Manchester City pays £116m for Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson Manchester City have completed a £116m (€150m) transfer for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, making it one of the most expensive Premier League deals and a record fee for the English championship. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-city-pays-116m-for-nottingham-forests-elliot-anderson ### 2026-07-03: Manchester City appoints Enzo Maresca as new manager after Pep Guardiola departure Manchester City named Enzo Maresca as Pep Guardiola’s successor, releasing a documentary on Guardiola’s era and emphasizing the challenge of maintaining the club’s dominant style. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-city-appoints-enzo-maresca-as-new-manager-after-pep-guardiola-departure ### 2026-07-02: Manchester City pays €135 million for Elliot Anderson, England's costliest player Manchester City sign Elliot Anderson for €135 million, becoming England's most expensive player, amid a busy European transfer window including Bayern’s Brown signing and ter Stegen’s Ajax loan. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-city-pays-135-million-for-elliot-anderson-englands-costliest-player ### 2026-07-02: Manchester City sign Elliot Anderson for record £116 million fee Manchester City have signed England midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for a record £116 million, the highest fee for a British player, with the deal to be completed after the World Cup. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/elliot-andersons-116m-move-to-manchester-city-sets-british-record ### 2026-06-29: Manchester City appoint Enzo Maresca as new manager on three‑year deal Manchester City have hired Enzo Maresca on a three‑year deal to replace Pep Guardiola, paying about £17 million to Chelsea; the Italian previously assisted City’s treble season and managed Leicester and Chelsea 22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-city-names-enzo-maresca-as-new-head-coach ### 2026-06-28: Manchester City name Enzo Maresca as new manager after Guardiola Manchester City have hired Enzo Maresca as head coach on a three‑year deal, paying roughly £17‑20 million to Chelsea after his mid‑season resignation. 78 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-city-targets-john-stones-and-completes-elliot-anderson-signing ### 2026-06-26: Manchester City secures record £116m transfer for Elliot Anderson Manchester City is close to finalising a club‑record £116 million deal for English midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, with a U.S. medical expected before the World Cup round of 32. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-city-secures-record-116m-transfer-for-elliot-anderson ### 2026-06-26: Manchester City completes £116m signing of midfielder Elliot Anderson Manchester City paid a club‑record £116 million to sign 23‑year‑old English midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, bolstering its midfield under new manager Enzo Maresca. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-city-completes-116m-signing-of-midfielder-elliot-anderson ### 2026-06-26: Manchester City completes record £116m signing of Elliott Anderson Manchester City have agreed a record £116 million transfer for 23‑year‑old England midfielder Elliott Anderson from Nottingham Forest, making him the most expensive British player. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-city-completes-record-116m-signing-of-elliott-anderson ### 2026-06-25: Manchester City completes record £150 million signing of Elliot Anderson Manchester City agree a €152 million deal with Nottingham Forest for Elliott Anderson, setting a new Premier League record for a British player. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-city-completes-record-150-million-signing-of-elliot-anderson ### 2026-06-24: Elliot Anderson set for record £116 million move to Manchester City Manchester City have agreed a £116 million fee for England midfielder Elliot Anderson, a British record. He will have a medical in New York during the World Cup, with the move pending personal terms and a new‑s 70 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-city-signs-england-midfielder-elliot-anderson-for-record-116-million ### 2026-06-22: Manchester City Nears £120m Deal for Nottingham Forest Midfielder Elliot Anderson Manchester City are close to signing Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson for a reported £120 million, a British record fee that could reshape the Premier League transfer market. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/elliot-anderson-draws-premier-league-transfer-interest-as-world-cup-looms ### 2026-06-21: Elliot Anderson's transfer boosts England World Cup role Elliot Anderson, after a £35 m move from Newcastle to Nottingham Forest, impressed at the World Cup with an assist in England’s 4‑2 win over Croatia, drawing interest from Manchester City. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/elliot-andersons-transfer-boosts-england-world-cup-role ### 2026-06-19: Nottingham Forest and Leicester City plot summer transfer moves Nottingham Forest and Leicester City are active in the summer transfer market, targeting midfield and goalkeeper reinforcements ahead of upcoming seasons. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nottingham-forest-and-leicester-city-plot-summer-transfer-moves ### 2026-06-15: Nottingham Forest's midfielders face pivotal summer transfer decisions Nottingham Forest's midfielders Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White dominate summer transfer talks, with Anderson eyed by Manchester City for over £100 m and Tottenham's spending bolstering Forest's case to 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nottingham-forests-midfielders-face-pivotal-summer-transfer-decisions ### 2026-06-14: Manchester City pushes £120m bid for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliott Anderson Manchester City has offered up to £120 million for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliott Anderson, but Forest and owner Evangelos Marinakis have rejected the bid, keeping the summer transfer saga alive. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-city-pushes-120m-bid-for-nottingham-forest-midfielder-elliott-anderson ### 2026-06-11: Elliot Anderson’s Manchester City transfer saga doesn’t distract him ahead of England’s World Cup, says Tuchel Tuchel says Elliot Anderson stays focused on England’s World Cup despite Manchester City’s £120m‑plus bid; Nottingham Forest seeks a £125m fee as the midfielder shines in qualifiers. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/elliot-andersons-manchester-city-transfer-saga-doesnt-distract-him-ahead-of-englands-world-cup-says- ### 2026-06-11: Manchester United drops Elliot Anderson bid as Lewandowski link stalls Manchester United halted pursuit of Elliott Anderson to avoid costly bids, while a potential Robert Lewandowski transfer stalls over high wage demands. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-drops-elliot-anderson-bid-as-lewandowski-link-stalls ### 2026-06-10: Manchester United shift focus from Elliot Anderson to Mateus Fernandes and Alex Scott Manchester United abandon bid for Elliot Anderson, citing Nottingham Forest’s £120 m price, and target Mateus Fernandes (£85 m) and Alex Scott (£80 m) as realistic Premier League midfield signings. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-shift-focus-from-elliot-anderson-to-mateus-fernandes-and-alex-scott ### 2026-06-10: Manchester City submits £106m bid for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson Manchester City offered roughly £106 m (potentially over £120 m with add‑ons) for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, who has three years left on his deal; Forest demand a higher fee. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-city-submits-106m-bid-for-nottingham-forest-midfielder-elliot-anderson ### 2026-06-10: Nottingham Forest Turns Down Manchester City £120m Offer for Elliot Anderson Nottingham Forest have rejected Manchester City’s £120 million‑plus bid for Elliot Anderson, demanding a fixed fee and signalling a potential record transfer that could fund several new signings. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nottingham-forest-turns-down-manchester-city-120m-offer-for-elliot-anderson ### 2026-06-08: Manchester United offers big salary to sign Elliot Anderson Manchester United are ready to boost Elliot Anderson’s salary and meet a £105‑110 million fee to sign the Nottingham Forest midfielder. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-offers-big-salary-to-sign-elliot-anderson ### 2026-06-08: Manchester City and United vie for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson Elliot Anderson, valued at over £100 m, is pursued by Manchester City and United after Nottingham Forest rejected City’s first bid. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-city-prepares-new-bid-for-nottingham-forest-midfielder-elliot-anderson ### 2026-06-06: Elliot Anderson set for World Cup spotlight after Nottingham Forest breakthrough Elliot Anderson, Nottingham Forest’s midfield prospect, praised by English legends and linked to Manchester City, is poised to start for England at the 2026 World Cup after a £35 m Newcastle sale. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/elliot-anderson-set-for-world-cup-spotlight-after-nottingham-forest-breakthrough ### 2026-06-05: Manchester City pursue Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson Manchester City are preparing a second bid for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, with England coach Gareth Tuchel urging any transfer be completed before the World Cup to avoid distraction. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-city-pursue-nottingham-forest-midfielder-elliot-anderson ### 2026-06-04: Manchester clubs vie for young midfielders Fernandes and Anderson Manchester United leads the chase for Mateus Fernandes as Liverpool watches; Nottingham Forest rejects Manchester City’s offer for Elliot Anderson, aiming for a new British transfer record. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-clubs-vie-for-young-midfielders-fernandes-and-anderson ### 2026-06-04: Manchester City’s offer for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson turned down Manchester City’s initial bid for 23‑year‑old England midfielder Elliot Anderson was rejected by Nottingham Forest; the fee could break the £105 million British record as City continue their squad rebuild. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-citys-offer-for-nottingham-forest-midfielder-elliot-anderson-turned-down ### 2026-06-03: Manchester City’s opening bid for England midfielder Elliot Anderson rebuffed by Nottingham Forest Manchester City’s opening bid for Nottingham Forest’s England midfielder Elliot Anderson was rejected; Forest demand a fee over £100 million as the player eyes a World Cup role. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-citys-opening-bid-for-elliot-anderson-rejected-by-nottingham-forest ### 2026-05-19: Elliot Anderson linked with Manchester City and Manchester United as transfer fee soars Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson draws £100‑£125 million interest from Manchester City and United. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/elliot-anderson-linked-with-manchester-city-and-manchester-united-as-transfer-fee-soars --- Cite as: Maresca leads City through transition and massive squad resh. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/elliot-anderson-transfer-saga