James McAtee set for Nottingham Forest! Man City agree £30m fee to sell midfielder but Pep Guardiola's side insert major clause into deal

England v Germany - UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2025 Final

Nottingham Forest are closing in on the signing of James McAtee after agreeing a deal with Manchester City.

WHAT HAPPENED?

According to The Athletic's David Ornstein, Forest have reached total agreement with City on a package worth up to £30 million for McAtee. The deal also includes a sell-on clause and a buy-back option for Pep Guardiola's side.

Nottingham Forest v Al Qadsiah - Pre-Season Friendly

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The arrival of McAtee, 22, will provide Forest with a major boost as they prepare to compete in four competitions in 2025-26. Nuno Espirito Santo's men, who finished seventh in the Premier League last season, will play in the Europa League after Crystal Palace had their ban upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for breaching UEFA's multi-club ownership (MCO) rules. The Eagles will instead play in the Conference League.

DID YOU KNOW?

As per The Athletic's report, McAtee - who played a key role in helping England retain their Under-21 European Championship title this summer - had interest from a number of other clubs, including Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt.

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WHAT NEXT FOR MCATEE, FOREST AND MAN CITY?

Forest start their new league campaign against Brentford at the City Ground on Sunday, while City travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.