Man City to lose wonderkid James McAtee?! Frustrated midfielder open to January move as Premier League rivals circle

Posted Saturday, December 28, 2024 by Goal.com

Manchester City are preparing for a battle to keep wonderkid James McAtee in January as clubs from across Europe elevate their interest.

McAtee drawing interest from across Europe
Frustrated with lack of game time under Guardiola
City preparing for battle to keep him in January

WHAT HAPPENED?

Following the success of Liam Delap at Ipswich, Premier League clubs are lining up to pounce on 22-year-old midfielder McAtee from Manchester City. The City youngster is believed to be disappointed with his opportunities under Pep Guardiola and could seek to leave the Etihad in January. According to The Telegraph, Nottingham Forest, West Ham United, Brentford and Crystal Palace are all keeping tabs on McAtee while Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig in Germany and Fiorentina and Bologna in Italy are also keen.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

With City having gone through an injury crisis this season, it is no surprise to see McAtee frustrated. The report reveals that Guardiola pushed hard to keep him in the summer following interest from rivals, but the Spanish head coach has yet to put his faith in the England Under-21 international. With just 18 months left on his contract, City have a big decision to make regarding his future.

DID YOU KNOW?

McAtee has made just two starts for the Premier League champions this term and both of them came in the League Cup. City were missing eight senior players in the 1-1 draw with Everton on Boxing Day but their prospect remained on the bench having clocked just two minutes in the top flight in 2024-25.

WHAT NEXT FOR MCATEE?

It is unlikely that City would let McAtee leave on loan with his contract expiring in 2026. Therefore, January could be the time for him to depart and follow in the footsteps of Cole Palmer and Delap. Having not been handed an opportunity amid an injury crisis, it is difficult to see where he fits in Guardiola's vision.