Thomas Tuchel has insisted Elliot Anderson’s blockbuster move to Manchester City has not disrupted England’s World Cup preparations.
The midfielder’s record transfer was agreed mid-tournament, but the head coach is adamant his squad remain fully focused on the job in hand.
The numbers are staggering. City agreed a £116m fee with Nottingham Forest, making Anderson the most expensive British player in history. The deal eclipses the £100m City paid for Jack Grealish in 2021.
Tuchel was keen to play down any disruption. “We had no distractions, no medical before the match,” he said. “All the focus was on his recovery and getting him available for training. The focus was on training and travelling with us.”
Tuchel says Anderson to Man City is no England distraction
His message was clear. England face Panama on Saturday with top spot in Group L on the line. “We want to win the match, win the group,” Tuchel added. “We need Elliot in the right mindset.”
“The reality is transfers are going on while we are playing.”
Thomas Tuchel insists there is no distractions for England’s Elliot Anderson as he edges closer to a move to Manchester City. pic.twitter.com/ttsJYhd8OL
The German accepted business is unavoidable at this time of year. “The reality is that transfers are going on in world football while we are playing,” he said. “Big transfers take a lot of time. We will facilitate that transfer but after the match, not before.”
Anderson has been central to England’s campaign. The 23-year-old started both group games against Croatia and Ghana, impressing as a deep-lying anchor in midfield. Tuchel has previously hailed him as the “full package.”
His move signals City’s intent under new boss Enzo Maresca. The current FA Cup champions are rebuilding after Pep Guardiola’s exit, with Bernardo Silva gone and Rodri’s future uncertain. Anderson is viewed as a long-term cornerstone.
Manchester United had also pursued him before withdrawing over the rising cost. Forest, meanwhile, are lining up replacements, with Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall and Inter’s Davide Frattesi among their targets.
Anderson is set to complete his medical in New York on Friday, with the formalities concluding once England’s group campaign is over.
“The reality is transfers are going on while we are playing.”
