Report: Crystal Palace and Forest keen on move for City youngster | OneFootball

Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest Eye Man City’s McAtee in Potential Summer Move

Manchester City’s James McAtee has become a hot topic in the transfer market, with Sky Sports News reporters Amar Mehta and Lyall Thomas confirming that Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest are among the clubs monitoring the 22-year-old midfielder. With only a year left on his current contract, McAtee is understood to be open to a move away from the Etihad to secure more consistent first-team football.

Bayer Leverkusen have been long linked with the England U21 international, especially after his performances at the U21 Euros, where he contributed one goal and two assists. However, their interest has yet to develop into a formal approach.

Proven Pedigree at a Young Age

Despite flying under the radar compared to some of his fellow City academy graduates, McAtee has a strong case for a prominent role elsewhere. He scored seven goals in 27 appearances for City last season and already has 48 Premier League games under his belt – many from his loan spell at Sheffield United.

Sky Sports adds: “As another academy product, McAtee has actually played more first-team games for City than Palmer had before he signed for Chelsea and has also had a year in the Premier League with Sheffield United.” That alone strengthens the argument that McAtee is more than ready for a full-time Premier League role.

City’s Valuation Points Towards Palmer Precedent

While Manchester City have not set a public asking price, they reportedly value McAtee “beyond the £25m-mark.” The club’s internal comparisons to Cole Palmer – sold to Chelsea for £40 million – could see them holding out for a similar figure. Given McAtee’s experience, it’s a fair benchmark, even if his market profile is currently lower.

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From City’s point of view, retaining McAtee would make sense in a squad rotation role, but his desire to play regularly may force their hand. As it stands, a sale seems more likely than a new contract unless Pep Guardiola can offer a clear development path.

Palace and Forest Perfect for Progression?

Both Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest have recent form when it comes to offering young attacking players opportunities. Palace in particular have built a reputation for nurturing young talent under several managers, and McAtee could thrive in that environment.

Given Eberechi Eze future remain uncertain, McAtee might be seen as a potential long-term creative force. Forest, meanwhile, are keen to bolster their midfield options and have shown a willingness to invest in players with Premier League experience.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Crystal Palace fan’s perspective, McAtee represents an exciting, high-upside option. He’s versatile, has Champions League and Premier League minutes, and has shown at both City and Sheffield United that he can adapt quickly to different tactical systems. At just 22, he fits the Palace model of recruiting young, technical players with growth potential.

While £30–40 million is a hefty outlay, especially with other areas to strengthen, this is a signing that could offer value in the long term. If Eze were to depart, McAtee might not be a direct replacement stylistically, but he has the intelligence, close control and eye for goal to grow into that level of influence.

What’s most appealing is his willingness to leave City for minutes. That hunger is exactly what Palace fans want to see – a player who backs his talent and is ready to step out of the shadows. With Glasner favouring proactive football, McAtee could become a key figure in Palace’s next phase of development. If the club are serious about long-term progression, this could be a smart move.