Manchester City Midfielder is ‘Open to Leaving’ the Club This Summer – Report | OneFootball

James McAtee Considering Man City Exit Amid Interest from Leverkusen and Forest

Manchester City’s young prospect James McAtee is weighing up a departure from the Etihad this summer, according to a report by Sky Sports News. With a contract running until 2026, McAtee is yet to be offered fresh terms and is understood to be “interested in exploring his options away from the Etihad this summer.”

Bayer Leverkusen, who were keen on acquiring the England U21 international in January, remain firmly interested. Borussia Dortmund have also shown signs of admiration, while Premier League side Nottingham Forest are closely monitoring the situation.

McAtee’s situation is gaining urgency not just because of external interest but due to internal dynamics at Manchester City. After City’s 3-1 win against Bournemouth, Pep Guardiola expressed his dissatisfaction with squad size and selection dilemmas:

“Leaving so many players out is impossible for my soul,” he said, even threatening to “quit as manager if the club does not reduce the size of his squad this summer.”

This puts McAtee’s case under fresh scrutiny, especially considering he was retained in January despite clubs circling. Leverkusen had proposed a loan move at the time, but Guardiola reportedly blocked any temporary or permanent transfer then.

Photo: IMAGO

McAtee’s Playing Time and Development

The 22-year-old made his senior debut in the Carabao Cup back in 2021 and has since featured in 34 matches for the club, scoring seven goals. Despite his talent and promise, he remains a peripheral figure at City. His loan spell at Sheffield United between 2022 and 2024 was more fruitful. There, McAtee made 67 appearances, contributing 12 goals and gaining vital top-flight experience.

His international pedigree includes stints at England’s U18, U20, and U21 levels, showing a consistent upward trajectory. Yet, despite these achievements, City have yet to open contract talks, although the club typically waits until the season concludes before initiating negotiations.

Forest’s Interest Points to Strategic Move

Nottingham Forest have re-emerged as a credible suitor, with Sky Sports reporting in April that McAtee “is a player Nuno Espirito Santo likes and is one of the targets this summer.” The interest appears concrete, irrespective of the futures of Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Forest’s intent to add McAtee suggests a focus on acquiring young, attack-minded players with Premier League experience. His versatility in forward positions could complement Forest’s evolving tactical blueprint, and under a manager like Nuno, McAtee may get the consistent game time he seeks.

Photo: IMAGO

European Appeal and Strategic Career Planning

McAtee’s growing popularity in Germany is noteworthy. Leverkusen, under Xabi Alonso, and Dortmund, known for nurturing English talent, present compelling cases. Should McAtee choose to follow in the footsteps of players like Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho, it could signal a significant shift in his career ambitions.

The Bundesliga has been kind to English players seeking to showcase their abilities on a consistent basis, and with Champions League football and high-level development opportunities, McAtee would find the move enticing.

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From a Manchester City supporter’s perspective, McAtee’s desire to leave might feel bittersweet but understandable. He is a product of the academy and one of the club’s brightest prospects, but with such a bloated first-team squad, his pathway is understandably blocked.

Guardiola’s recent admission that managing the squad size is a personal struggle is telling. If the club does not streamline its roster, then it risks losing emerging stars like McAtee, who are now at an age where regular senior football is a must.

Should City fail to offer a clear development plan or new contract soon, losing McAtee would not only be a blow to the academy’s legacy but also hand a competitive asset to rivals at home or abroad. That said, if his departure is necessary for him to blossom into a consistent top-flight player, then fans may well wish him success with cautious optimism.

A move to Nottingham Forest could provide the game time and responsibility he needs. A switch to Leverkusen or Dortmund might elevate his career on a European scale. Either way, City must act soon to either reassure him or prepare for life without one of their most promising young talents.