Bundesliga club FSV Mainz 05 will reportedly look to sign 22-year-old Manchester City whizkid James McAtee in the winter transfer window.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, James McAtee is the subject of interest from FSV Mainz 05. The 05ers have initiated discussions to sign the Manchester City whizkid in the winter transfer window. The 22-year-old playmaker is keen on embarking on a new adventure this month, with Fulham and West Ham United also vying for his signature.
James McAtee and his Manchester City frustrations
James McAtee has had to bide his time since breaking into the first-team squad at Manchester City. A native of Salford, the Englishman spent his formative years with Manchester City, joining the Premier League champions in 2013. Since then, he has made considerable progress but has had to remain patient.
The 22-year-old excelled during his two loan spells with Sheffield United. However, that has not helped him become a mainstay in the final third for Manchester City. Nevertheless, McAtee has been decent whenever he has received his opportunity this term, scoring four goals in 457 minutes of game time. Meanwhile, the youngster’s progress has alerted well-known clubs like Fulham, West Ham United, and FSV Mainz 05.
A man in demand
Fulham can do with a player like McAtee. The Cottagers have been scouring the market for a versatile midfielder and attacker heading into the winter transfer window. Andreas Pereira might leave Fulham amid his links with Palmeiras. In addition, McAtee can be a long-term solution on the right flank. So, the English whizkid has emerged as a viable target for Fulham.
Meanwhile, West Ham United’s interest in James McAtee makes sense. Lucas Paqueta faces an uncertain future at the London Stadium amid his involvement in a betting scandal. So, the Manchester City prospect is an option worth considering for West Ham United.
However, Fulham and West Ham might have fallen behind FSV Mainz 05 in the race to secure the services of the 22-year-old Englishman. The 05ers have already opened talks to sign the young whizkid as they look to bring him to the Bundesliga this month.
McAtee is keen on leaving Manchester City in the winter transfer window to find a stable footing. However, it is unclear if the English attacking midfielder is ready to join the Bundesliga club instead of moving across the Premier League.
