Roy Keane has weighed in on Elliot Anderson’s blockbuster move to Manchester City, acknowledging that the mid-tournament timing carries risks.
Speaking to ITV Sport, the former Manchester United captain urged a swift resolution so the midfielder can concentrate on England’s World Cup campaign.
Keane saw both sides of the situation. “It can be distracting,” he said. “If the player can get it sorted within the next 24 hours, at least it’s gone and he can focus on England matches. There are pluses and minuses to it.”
Roy Keane delivers verdict on £116m Anderson transfer
Despite that note of caution, he was firmly in favour of the switch. “It’s a great move for him, he’s had a good start last year or two and a great start to the tournament,” Keane added.
“He can now concentrate on England”
Patrick Vieira, @IanWright0 and Roy Keane discuss news that Elliot Anderson is on his way to Manchester City…
He also pointed to Thomas Tuchel’s relaxed stance. “The England manager said if transfers can happen during the World Cup and it doesn’t hamper with the training preparations, then he will give it the thumbs up.”
Keane knows the scenario well. He left Nottingham Forest for United in 1993 in a £3.75m deal, a British transfer record at the time.
More than three decades on, another Forest midfielder has set a new British benchmark.
The £116m fee makes Anderson the most expensive British player in history, surpassing the £100m City paid for Jack Grealish in 2021.
The 23-year-old becomes a cornerstone of Enzo Maresca’s rebuild following Pep Guardiola’s departure.
Anderson is expected to complete his medical in New York on Friday, with the deal finalised once England’s group campaign ends against Panama.
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