Manchester City talent James McAtee is reportedly set to join fellow Premier League club Sheffield United on loan.
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, James McAtee is leaving Premier League champions Manchester City and is set to join fellow top-flight side Sheffield United on loan for the rest of the 2023/24 season.
One of the finest young players to come out of the club’s academy in recent years, McAtee is held in high regard at The Etihad. The youngster made his senior debut in 2019 and has since earned seven caps for Pep Guardiola’s team.
A central midfielder, McAtee is capable of fulfilling several roles and can be considered a versatile presence in the middle of the park. The chances of him securing regular football is remote at Manchester City. Hence, it makes perfect sense for them to loan him out for the campaign.
Just 20, McAtee is still developing his footballing aptitude and can gain much from playing regular first-team football. With a move to Bramall Lane now all but done, the 20-year-old will get just that for the Blades.
James McAtee leaves Man City and he joins Sheffield United on loan, here we go! 🔴🤝🏻 #DeadlineDay
McAtee was tempted by Leicester as Maresca wanted him but lure of the Premier League and emotional connection to Sheffield United too much. pic.twitter.com/X1uXeMetkK
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2023
Sheffield United and the player will be familiar with each other’s game, given that he spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan at the then Championship club. The Blades are now back in the big time and are seeking reinforcements as they aim to stave off relegation fears.
McAtee can slot right into Paul Heckingbottom’s side with little adjustment period and will be raring to go. Having him test his abilities in the Premier League could make or break his prospects of working into Pep Guardiola’s plans for the future.
EFL Championship trend-setters Leicester City were also keen on the player, but he now looks set to move to Sheffield. The Foxes are managed by Enzo Maresca, the former Manchester City assistant who also served in charge of the club’s Elite Developmental Squad of which McAtee was a part of.
While a move to Leicester City could have been beneficial, the opportunity to play regular top flight football is nothing to sniff at. After all, it could very well accelerate McAtee’s development. Unless there is a late twist in the tale, the youngster should soon don Sheffield’s colours for the 2023/24 season.
