Bayer Leverkusen have reportedly set their sights on 22-year-old Manchester City talent James McAtee.
Bayer Leverkusen have made an approach to sign Manchester City midfielder James McAtee on loan with an option to buy. According to Fabrizio Romano via X, the Bundesliga club is in advanced talks with City to secure the services of the 22-year-old.
McAtee, whose current contract with Manchester City runs until 2026, has been on the radar of several German clubs during the January transfer window. Leverkusen’s offer highlights their ambition to strengthen their midfield for the second half of the season.
Limited Opportunities at Manchester City
Despite showing flashes of brilliance, McAtee has found regular playing time hard to come by at Manchester City. The English midfielder has made 14 appearances this season, logging just 507 minutes but impressively scoring five goals during that time.
McAtee’s limited opportunities under Pep Guardiola may make a loan move appealing for both the player and the club. Leverkusen’s interest offers McAtee a chance to gain valuable experience in one of Europe’s top leagues while potentially securing a more prominent role in their midfield setup.
A Smart Move for All Parties
A loan move to Bayer Leverkusen could be mutually beneficial. For McAtee, it represents an opportunity to develop in a competitive environment and showcase his abilities on a bigger stage. For Leverkusen, signing the talented midfielder could bolster their creative options as they aim to compete in the Bundesliga and beyond.
Manchester City, on the other hand, could use this loan spell to assess McAtee’s growth and determine his long-term potential within their squad. The inclusion of a purchase option adds flexibility, allowing Leverkusen to make the move permanent if McAtee thrives in Germany. As talks progress, this deal has the potential to benefit all parties involved, making it a transfer to watch in the coming days.
