Report: Premier League and German sides weigh up City deal amid £35m valuation | OneFootball

Man City Set Steep Price for James McAtee as Premier League and Bundesliga Clubs Circle

£35m Valuation Raises Eyebrows

Manchester City’s asking price of £35 million for James McAtee has sparked serious discussion among clubs eyeing the England Under-21 captain, according to The Telegraph. McAtee, now in the final year of his contract, has emerged as a high-priority target for Nottingham Forest, West Ham, Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt. But City’s valuation—set higher than many suitors expected—is proving a major obstacle.

Clubs had hoped to seal a deal between £20m and £25m, but City are standing firm. The benchmark? Cole Palmer’s £42.5m move to Chelsea in 2023. “City sold Cole Palmer to Chelsea for £42.5m in 2023 and have been using that as something of a benchmark on their pricing for McAtee.”

Photo: IMAGO

Interest Grows at Home and Abroad

Forest and West Ham are expected to push harder in the coming days. Forest, fresh from offloading Anthony Elanga to Newcastle for £55m, may be flush with funds, while Morgan Gibbs-White’s uncertain future amid Spurs’ interest adds urgency. At West Ham, Graham Potter is seeking replacements after the £55m departure of Mohammed Kudus—another opening for McAtee.

Meanwhile, the Bundesliga angle adds intrigue. McAtee reportedly spent time in Germany visiting both Dortmund and Frankfurt. “McAtee spent some time in Germany recently to meet Frankfurt and Dortmund and is believed to have been impressed by what he saw.” The appeal of consistent minutes in a tactically sharp league could sway the player’s decision if the fee gap is bridged.

City’s Goalkeeping Plans Take Shape

In a separate transfer plotline, City are keen on bringing back James Trafford—another former academy talent. Trafford left for Burnley in a £19m deal in 2023 but has drawn renewed attention amid uncertainty surrounding Ederson and Stefan Ortega. City do hold a buy-back clause, though Burnley are reportedly demanding up to £40m.

“Burnley have been holding out for up to £40m for Trafford after rejecting a bid from Newcastle worth around £25m.” City’s plan hinges on whether either Ederson or Ortega departs. Ederson has dismissed links to Galatasaray as “fake news,” while Ortega’s situation remains fluid.

Young Talents Set to Stay Put

While the futures of McAtee and Trafford are in flux, City appear set to keep hold of two other midfielders—Nico González and academy graduate Nico O’Reilly. Despite continental interest in González and loan interest in O’Reilly, the club sees them both remaining part of the setup this summer.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis: Man City Fan Perspective

From a Manchester City supporter’s standpoint, the club’s £35m valuation of James McAtee isn’t outrageous—it’s strategic. With Cole Palmer fetching £42.5m, fans will argue that McAtee, captain of the England U21s and technically gifted, holds similar potential. Letting him go for less would seem like underselling, especially given the current inflated market.

However, there’s also realism. McAtee’s first-team opportunities have been limited under Pep Guardiola, and with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, and now Rodri and González in midfield, the pathway appears blocked. Supporters may feel that a £25m-£30m deal with add-ons could be a fair compromise.