Report: Nottingham Forest lead race for Man City star ahead of European campaign | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest pushing to sign Man City midfielder McAtee

Journalist: Talks between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City are progressing positively over a permanent deal for midfielder McAtee, with the 22-year-old emerging as a leading target for Nuno Espírito Santo this summer.

McAtee discussions gaining momentum

While no agreement has been finalised, both clubs are engaged in constructive negotiations. Forest view McAtee as a versatile midfield addition who can operate as a No 8, No 10, or from the right, offering tactical flexibility.

Man City are open to a permanent sale during this window, with the player under contract until 2026. Interest from abroad, notably Eintracht Frankfurt, has been strong, but Forest are increasingly confident about their position. The Bundesliga side have monitored McAtee since January, yet his Premier League readiness gives Forest a clear edge in negotiations.

Midfield rebuild shaping Forest’s plans

Forest’s pursuit of McAtee follows the departures of Danilo to Botafogo and Lewis O’Brien to Wrexham. Nuno has identified midfield reinforcements as a priority, also exploring deals for Milan’s Yunus Musah and Juventus’ Douglas Luiz.

The club’s recruitment drive is informed by their qualification for the Europa League, secured after the Court of Arbitration for Sport dismissed Crystal Palace’s appeal over their European place. With European football ahead, squad depth has become a pressing requirement.

Player profile and career so far

A graduate of City’s academy, McAtee has spent two successful loan spells at Sheffield United, contributing to their promotion in 2023 before returning for a challenging Premier League campaign in 2023-24. Across his two seasons at Bramall Lane, he registered 30 top-flight appearances.

Last season marked his integration into City’s first-team squad, with 27 appearances in all competitions and seven goals, including a hat-trick in the FA Cup against Salford City. Despite his contributions, only three of those appearances came as a Premier League starter, prompting consideration of a move for more regular minutes.

McAtee was also named captain of England’s Under-21 side for this summer’s European Championship, choosing the tournament over the Club World Cup. His leadership role there underscored his growing maturity and reputation within English football.

Why McAtee fits Forest’s strategy

Forest’s recruitment model focuses on players who are young, adaptable, and already experienced at the top level. McAtee’s ability to operate centrally or wide offers Nuno the tactical variety needed to navigate a demanding season.

The recent exits of Anthony Elanga to Newcastle United and Romon Sosa to Palmeiras have left Forest short on attacking midfield depth. McAtee’s profile — Premier League-tested, technically strong, and capable in multiple roles — makes him a natural fit to fill those gaps while also serving as competition for Morgan Gibbs-White.

Although a final agreement has yet to be reached, momentum in talks suggests Forest are well-placed to secure one of their key summer targets.