As many as four La Liga clubs are reportedly showing interest in getting Manchester City attacking prospect James McAtee on loan this summer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, following his first-team debut last season, Manchester City’s attacking midfielder James McAtee is attracting heavy interest from La Liga, with as many as four clubs from the Spanish first division exploring the option of securing his services on loan in the summer transfer window.
The 19-year-old, after impressing for Manchester City’s under-18 and under-23 sides, was given his first-team bow by Pep Guardiola last season. The youngster made six appearances for the senior squad across all competitions, and the Premier League champions could now send him out on loan to continue his development with more first-team minutes.
The Englishman is surprisingly attracting attention from Spain, with Rayo Vallecano, Valencia CF, Getafe CF and UD Almería, all keeping tabs on McAtee. The youngster signed a contract extension earlier this year which would keep him at Manchester City until 2026, leaving the path open for him to be sent out on loan.
The teenage wonderkid is primarily an attacking midfielder but can also play as a central midfielder on or on the left. With age on his side, versatility will have its advantages as McAtee continues his progress, also benefitting the teams eager to take him on loan.
As per the report by Fichajes, however, Manchester City are reluctant to send McAtee out on loan to Spain. They would prefer another English club instead of a team from La Liga to help the youngster get used to the rigours of regular Premier League football.
This could leave Leeds United in the lead to get McAtee on board. The Whites are said to be keen on signing the Manchester City wonderkid this summer, but they are also facing stiff competition from Scottish giants Rangers.
McAtee is unlikely to get enough game time with the Manchester City senior squad this summer, meaning a loan move would perfectly suit him given the point he is at in his still young career.