Man City boss Pep Guardiola makes fresh James McAtee transfer statement: 'I need him' | OneFootball

The Premier League champions have been active in the January transfer window

Pep Guardiola says he is not sure if Manchester City will bring in more players before the January transfer window closes, but wants to keep hold of James McAtee.

City have been busy this month, bolstering their squad with the signings of Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov, whilst letting captain Kyle Walker join AC Milan.

The transfer deadline is Monday, February 3, 2025 and the Premier League champions have been linked with Juventus pair Andreas Cambiaso and Douglas Luiz.

“I don’t know,” the Spaniard said when asked what are the chances of any new faces arriving at the Etihad Stadium before the window closes.

One player tipped to leave the club is McAtee. The City academy graduate has been linked with the likes of Fulham and Newcastle in recent weeks due to a lack of game time this season.

James McAtee has been linked with a Man City exit.

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Though, Guardiola has stressed he wants to keep McAtee at the club but accepts that decision may be taken out of his hands if a good offer is submitted.

"No I don't think so, he is going to stay," the Spaniard told reporters. "We don't have enough players, we have a World Cup at the end of the season, we have a lot of games.

"I think he can play more minutes, he has to fight and I am really pleased for Macca.

"But at the same time, maybe an offer arrives at the club says 'listen, we have to sell him'.

"The opinion of Macca I said to the club is really clear but the club has to take care of resources and sell players and it depends on what happens.

"Yes of course, I understand the frustration, absolutely," Guardiola said regarding McAtee’s lack of game time. "I was a football player, I have incredible empathy to feel what he can feel.

"But the same happens for other players and they have to be ready. We don't want anyone unsatisfied, you know my opinion on that.

"In the middle of a season with the problems that we had, I have a feeling that we need him, I need him, it's simple."