Manchester City will reportedly look to keep 21-year-old academy graduate James McAtee at the Etihad beyond the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on HITC, James McAtee will unlikely leave Manchester City in the summer transfer window. The Premier League champions are keen on keeping hold of the 21-year-old academy graduate at the Etihad for at least the 2024/25 season amid regrets over selling Cole Palmer.
Who is James McAtee?
James McAtee has yet to establish a foothold in the first-team squad at Manchester City since graduating from the Elite Development Squad. A native of Salford, the Englishman spent his formative years with Manchester City, rapidly progressing through the ranks before making his first-team bow in September 2021.
However, the 21-year-old has managed only seven appearances thus far for Manchester City and spent the last two seasons on loan at Sheffield United. While McAtee was not highly productive, he managed a decent tally of 14 goals and eight assists in 75 appearances across all competitions for the Blades.
Meanwhile, James McAtee’s exploits for Sheffield United have not gone unnoticed, with several clubs setting their sights on him. Recent reports have linked the England youth international with EFL Championship outfits like Leeds United heading into the summer transfer window.
Other outlets have suggested Premier League clubs like Crystal Palace, Everton, and Newcastle United are interested in signing James McAtee from Manchester City in the summer transfer window. However, the Premier League champions do not want to part ways with the young academy graduate anytime soon.
Set for Manchester City stay?
Manchester City parted ways with Cole Palmer last summer, with the England international making exponential progress since joining Chelsea. That has left Manchester City with regrets, and they do not want to repeat that by selling McAtee in the summer transfer window. So, they are keen on keeping him at the Etihad, at least for the 2024/25 season.
Pep Guardiola has also suggested that the 21-year-old Englishman features in his plans for the 2024/25 season. Meanwhile, McAtee will be eager to secure regular game time, even if that comes off the bench if he stays at Manchester City beyond the summer transfer window.
