‘Deal Agreed’ – Nottingham Forest Set to Sign £30m Man City Star | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest Close In On £30m Deal For James McAtee

Nottingham Forest appear set to make a significant statement in the transfer market after agreeing a deal worth up to £30 million with Manchester City for midfielder James McAtee, according to a report by Sky Sports News’ Lyall Thomas. The agreement is understood to include both sell-on and buy-back clauses, reflecting City’s ongoing interest in the player’s future.

“Nottingham Forest have agreed a deal worth up to £30m with Manchester City to sign James McAtee,” Sky Sports reported, adding that the Midlands club “are looking to push ahead with four deals: McAtee, Arnaud Kalimuendo, Omari Hutchinson and Douglas Luiz.”

This news marks a potentially transformative move for Forest as they seek to strengthen their squad ahead of the new Premier League campaign. McAtee, 21, has been viewed as one of City’s most technically gifted young midfielders, having impressed on loan at Sheffield United.

McAtee’s Potential Impact At The City Ground

The recruitment of McAtee would provide Forest with a creative force capable of unlocking tight defences. His vision and ability to operate in advanced midfield positions have been widely praised in youth and senior football. His performances in the Championship for Sheffield United, where he contributed key goals and assists during their promotion season, showcased both maturity and flair.

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Forest’s willingness to commit such a substantial fee demonstrates the club’s ambition to establish themselves as a solid Premier League side, rather than one constantly fighting relegation. The inclusion of a buy-back clause suggests Manchester City are reluctant to fully sever ties, underlining how highly they rate his long-term potential.

Multi-Player Recruitment Drive Underway

The report by Sky Sports also outlines Forest’s aggressive approach to the market. Alongside McAtee, deals for Arnaud Kalimuendo, Omari Hutchinson and Douglas Luiz are being pursued. This combination would add depth across the pitch, from forward positions to midfield stability.

Targeting multiple players at once indicates that Forest are looking for squad evolution rather than minor adjustments. Should all four deals materialise, manager Nuno Espírito Santo would have a broader tactical palette at his disposal.

Long-Term Strategy For Premier League Security

Forest’s investment suggests a club keen to avoid the instability that often follows promotion. The pursuit of young, technically capable players hints at a strategy aimed at sustained top-flight survival and eventual European contention.

McAtee’s age profile also means he could become a centrepiece for years to come, potentially providing resale value in future windows. Supporters will view this move as evidence that the board is backing the manager’s vision.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Speaking as a Nottingham Forest supporter, this is the sort of signing that gets the heart racing. James McAtee has that rare blend of composure and craft which we have sometimes lacked in the final third. To see the club prepared to go toe-to-toe financially for a player of this calibre is a huge sign that the hierarchy mean business.

The potential for McAtee to link up with Morgan Gibbs-White is mouth-watering. Both players have the creativity to feed our forwards and keep us on the front foot. The fact Manchester City have insisted on a buy-back clause tells you they believe he could make it at the very top. That makes it even sweeter that he is set to wear the Garibaldi red in the coming season.

The wider recruitment push is also encouraging. Kalimuendo could add pace and finishing power, Hutchinson offers youthful energy and flair, and Douglas Luiz would bring top-tier experience. These moves together could transform Forest from survival scrappers into a mid-table force.

There is no guarantee of success, but for the first time in a while, it feels like Forest are not just surviving in the Premier League, they are building something. If McAtee hits the ground running, he could become a fan favourite in no time.