James McAtee, the 22-year-old attacking midfielder from Manchester City, is at a pivotal point in his career. With his contract entering its final year in 2026 and limited first-team opportunities under Pep Guardiola, speculation about his future is rife.
McAtee’s impressive performances, including captaining England Under-21s to a European Championship title in 2025 and scoring a hat-trick in Manchester City’s 8-0 FA Cup win over Salford City, have attracted attention from clubs across Europe. As the summer transfer window approaches, here’s a look at the potential destinations for the Salford-born star in the 2025/26 season.
James McAtee could leave Manchester City, especially if he asks Pep Guardiola for a move.
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 9, 2025
As with Cole Palmer, #MCFC will be understanding if McAtee tells them he wants a new challenge even though he remains valued at the club.
McAtee has played more games for the first team… pic.twitter.com/CVSKYlwYLw
The Context: McAtee’s Journey and Current Situation
McAtee has long been regarded as one of Manchester City’s brightest academy prospects. His versatility as an attacking midfielder, capable of playing as a box-to-box midfielder, advanced playmaker, or even a winger, has drawn comparisons to young English talents like Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho, who thrived after seeking regular minutes abroad. McAtee’s loan spells at Sheffield United in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons saw him make 75 appearances and score 14 goals, proving his ability to compete at a high level. However, back at Manchester City, he has struggled to secure consistent playing time, amassing just 297 Premier League minutes in the 2024/25 season despite the team’s injury challenges.
With his contract nearing its end, Manchester City are reportedly open to a permanent transfer, with a fee in the £20-25 million range and a buy-back clause included in any deal. McAtee’s desire for regular first-team football, especially with ambitions to break into England’s senior squad, makes a move likely. Several clubs across the Premier League, Bundesliga, and Serie A have emerged as potential suitors. Below, we explore the most prominent options.
Premier League: Staying Close to Home
Several Premier League clubs have also expressed interest in McAtee, offering the chance to stay in England and compete in one of the world’s most competitive leagues. These clubs see McAtee as a player with immediate impact potential and long-term resale value.
- Chelsea: Chelsea have a history of signing Man City talents, with the likes of Palmer, Lavia, Tosin, Delap so James AcAtee is always linked with them. With experience as a midfielder or winger, McAtee's technical ability and creativity, demonstrated by his eight goals and nine assists in the 2020–21 Premier League 2 season, align well with Enzo Maresca’s possession-based system.
- Nottingham Forest: Forest have been long-term admirers of McAtee, with scouts reportedly set to watch him at the U21 Euros. Under Nuno Espirito Santo, Forest are preparing for European football in 2025/26 and see McAtee as a key addition to their attacking midfield. The club’s ambitious transfer strategy, targeting players in the £20-30 million range, aligns with City’s valuation.
- West Ham United: West Ham have consistently been linked with McAtee, with their interest dating back to the 2024 winter window. Under new manager Graham Potter, the club’s high-tempo, attacking style could suit McAtee’s creative abilities. His versatility would complement players like Lucas Paqueta, who has shown signs of rediscovering his form.
- Leeds United: Leeds, back in the Premier League for 2025/26, have a history of interest in McAtee, having enquired about him in 2024. The club sees him as a potential replacement for Georginio Rutter, and his familiarity with Yorkshire from his Sheffield United loans could ease a transition to Elland Road.
- Everton and Crystal Palace: Both clubs have made checks on McAtee, with Everton looking to bolster their midfield and Palace seeking to replace departing stars. McAtee’s ability to play multiple roles in attack makes him a fit for either side, though they face competition from bigger clubs.
- Newcastle United: Newcastle’s interest hinges on potential midfield departures, such as Joe Willock or Sean Longstaff. McAtee’s homegrown status is a bonus for their Champions League squad requirements, but fitting him into a midfield featuring Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton could be challenging.
The Premier League offers McAtee the chance to stay in a familiar environment and showcase his talents on a global stage. However, the competition for places at these clubs could mirror the challenges he faces at Manchester City, making a move abroad potentially more appealing.
Staying at Manchester City: A Slim Possibility
While Manchester City are open to selling McAtee, there remains a chance he could stay and fight for a place in the 2025/26 season. Pep Guardiola retained him this season despite interest from other clubs, and McAtee’s recent performances, including his FA Cup hat-trick and a Champions League goal against Slovan Bratislava, show his potential. With Kevin De Bruyne’s departure confirmed, City may see McAtee as part of their midfield succession plan, potentially alongside targets like Florian Wirtz or Morgan Gibbs-White. However, his limited minutes this season and the club’s willingness to include a buy-back clause in any transfer suggest a permanent move is more likely.
What’s Next for McAtee?
James McAtee’s next move will depend on his priorities: regular playing time, tactical fit, and long-term career goals. The Bundesliga offers a proven pathway for young English talents, with clubs like Dortmund and Leverkusen providing platforms for growth and European football. The Premier League, with interest from ambitious sides like Nottingham Forest and West Ham, keeps him in a high-profile league close to home. Serie A, particularly Atalanta, presents an exciting opportunity to test himself in a new environment. Wherever he lands, McAtee’s talent, versatility, and recent performances ensure he will be a valuable asset.
As the transfer window heats up, McAtee’s decision will shape his path toward fulfilling his potential as one of England’s brightest prospects. With a £20-25 million price tag and a buy-back clause likely to be included, Manchester City are poised to profit while securing a future option on their academy star. The coming months will reveal whether McAtee follows in the footsteps of Sancho and Bellingham abroad or carves out a legacy in the Premier League.
