Elliot Anderson decided to take a swipe at Manchester United at his Manchester City unveiling.
At the start of the summer, it was widely reported that Elliot Anderson was Manchester United’s top target.
However, once it became clear that Anderson would cost £130m, then United’s interest waned and rivals Manchester City swooped.
Following his 2026 World Cup campaign with Anderson, the 23-year-old’s move was made official.
What do you think of Man City spending £130 million on Elliot Anderson?
Will Anderson be a flop? Or will United regret not paying up?
Elliot Anderson makes ‘Kings of Manchester’ dig
City will view their Anderson capture as a win over United in the transfer window.
At his unveiling, Anderson said he is joining the “kings of Manchester” – a clear swipe at United following their interest.
But the reality is that Anderson was “very keen” to join United and the move only happened because Ineos weren’t willing to match Nottingham Forest’s financial demands.
Not only have City paid an astronomical fee for Anderson, making him the most expensive midfielder in the Premier League, but they also helped to persuade him with an eye-watering salary.
If Elliot Anderson is £125m… What is Kobbie Mainoo’s market value right now?
Not that he's going anywhere…🔒
Elliot Anderson’s wages at Manchester City
Anderson has signed a five-year contract with City, with an option to extend for a further 12 months.
According to The Athletic, Anderson is earning £300,000 per week on his City contract.
Ineos have focused on regaining control of United’s wage bill after Ed Woodward previously handed out too many undeserving big-money contracts to players.
At £300,000 per week, Anderson would be United’s second-highest earner, behind only club captain Bruno Fernandes.
The record-breaking fee and the eye-watering wages are the only reasons why Anderson is now wearing blue and taking a swipe at the red heart of Manchester.
Meanwhile, United can be extremely pleased with their savvy transfer business so far, including snapping up Youri Tielemans for a bargain £35 million.
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