With Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva bringing his remarkable nine-year spell at the club to an end, the versatile role left behind by the Portuguese star is now up for grabs.
Throughout Pep Guardiola’s tenure at the Etihad Stadium, the 31-year-old was a key figure in every tactical evolution. As Enzo Maresca prepares to take over managerial duties, one of his first major tasks will be identifying a suitable successor in midfield.
Adding to the challenge, Manchester City’s Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder Rodri has also drawn attention from Real Madrid. With Guardiola’s departure confirmed and Rodri entering the final year of his contract, speculation around his future continues to grow.
If the Spaniard follows Bernardo Silva out of the club this summer, Maresca and City’s recruitment department – headed by sporting director Hugo Viana – will be under intense pressure to secure high-quality replacements.
Among the names being considered, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson has emerged as a prime candidate. The 23-year-old has been one of the standout midfielders of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
His stellar performances have earned him seven senior England caps and a seat on Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in North America.
City’s renewed interest in Anderson has been accelerated by Bernardo Silva’s exit, with Nottingham Forest reportedly valuing their star midfielder at a minimum of £105 million – the same amount Arsenal paid West Ham United for Declan Rice in 2023.
Anderson’s blend of attacking and defensive quality, combined with his relentless energy, makes him an ideal fit for City’s dynamic midfield structure.
The Englishman thrives between the lines, showcasing composure on the ball and the ability to progress play from deeper positions. With Silva’s departure leaving a void in energy and creativity, Anderson’s arrival could provide the perfect balance in Maresca’s plans.
His 2025/26 Premier League season has been supported by strong statistics, leading the league’s midfielders in categories such as duels won, touches, successful dribbles, defensive contributions, and recoveries.
Another major advantage Anderson brings is his reliability. With Rodri having missed significant stretches in 2024 and 2025, Anderson’s consistent availability could prove invaluable for a team competing across multiple fronts.
In addition to his technical and physical attributes, Anderson also qualifies as a homegrown player, strengthening City’s compliance with Premier League squad regulations alongside Phil Foden, James Trafford, and Nico O’Reilly.
Given his experience in the Premier League, signing Anderson would represent a relatively low-risk investment that could elevate both his development and City’s midfield depth across domestic and European competitions.
While Anderson appears more defensively inclined compared to the outgoing captain, his playing style mirrors Silva’s in key ways. Both players possess high energy levels and excel at pressing – traits that have long defined Guardiola’s midfield structure. Anderson’s ability to receive, retain, and advance possession also aligns perfectly with both Guardiola’s and Maresca’s tactical philosophies.
Considering the physical and mental demands of the Premier League, having a midfielder who provides both defensive stability and attacking fluidity will be crucial to City’s control-oriented approach under Maresca.
Compared to Rodri, Anderson ranks within the top five per cent of defensive metrics among Premier League midfielders, underlining his strong defensive contribution. However, his greater mobility and agility suggest he is not a direct Rodri replacement, but rather a complementary option offering a different dynamic.
It is this versatility and energy that make many within the Etihad hierarchy eager to secure his services this summer. Anderson could be the key to guiding Manchester City’s next generation of midfielders – alongside Rayan Cherki, Phil Foden, and Nico O’Reilly – back to domestic and European dominance.
