Manchester City are reportedly preparing to offer talented youngster James McAtee a new long-term contract.
City recently turned down bids of up to £30 million for the attacking midfielder, who has attracted significant interest. Premier League sides Leicester City, Nottingham Forest, and Southampton have all inquired about him, while Stuttgart, Feyenoord, Lille, Lens, and Celtic have also made approaches.
James McAtee impressed in pre-season
The 21-year-old impressed during City’s pre-season, starting in all four friendly matches. The youngster’s standout performances earned him a starting spot in the Community Shield clash against arch-rivals Manchester United, a match City won on penalties.
McAtee’s future was uncertain during the pre-season tour, with speculation that Guardiola was contemplating whether to keep him in the first team, send him out on loan, or even consider a permanent transfer.
Over the past two seasons, McAtee has been on loan at Sheffield United, where he played a key role in their promotion to the Premier League, scoring nine goals in 37 EFL Championship appearances. He returned to the Blades for the following season, making 30 Premier League appearances, although the club ultimately faced relegation.
Pep Guardiola wants James McAtee to remain at the club
However, Guardiola made it clear that McAtee will remain part of Manchester City’s first-team squad this season.
“It is difficult to find players with a sense of goal in small spaces who attack the final third, and McAtee has that quality,” Guardiola said. “That’s why I told Txiki at the beginning of the season that I don’t want to loan him or sell him because I need his specific quality in tight spaces. James has this ability.”
McAtee made his senior debut for City in 2021 in an EFL Cup tie against Wycombe Wanderers, a match they won 6-1. Since then, he has made nine appearances for the Cityzens, most recently against Ipswich Town in the Premier League. While his involvement may be limited in the early parts of the season, he is expected to get more game time due to City’s demanding schedule across multiple competitions.
