‘James McAtee has no future at Man City’ – Pep Guardiola greens lights transfer
James McAtee “has no future at Man City” after Pep Guardiola gave the green light to his exit in the closing stages of the January transfer window.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson insisted that Guardiola is not afraid to let players leave in search of increased playing time, as previously seen with Cole Palmer.
He went on to explain that the decision will eventually lie with the 22-year-old rather than the club based on whether he sees the potential to earn more playing time away from the Etihad.
McAtee has been handed increased minutes in Guardiola’s side recently, having played 64 minutes across their last five Premier League games compared to just two in the previous 18.
However, there are concerns about a lack of a pathway into the first-team with players set to return from injuries over the coming weeks.
As a result, there is a growing feeling the midfielder could make the move away before the 3 February deadline, with Bayer Leverkusen the latest club to show an interest.
McAtee had also previously been linked with the likes of Crystal Palace and West Ham, providing the option to remain in the Premier League.
Pep Guardiola green lights James McAtee exit from Man City
Now, Robinson has insisted joining Bayer Leverkusen would guarantee the midfielder more playing time, which he is unlikely to get at Man City.
“If the manager isn’t going to stand in his way, that tells you it all,” he told Football Insider.
“I don’t think he’s got a future at City. You look at the limited playing time he’s had at the start of the season.
“The injury problems Man City have had and the squad rotation as a result, and he still hasn’t been afforded much game time.
“His Premier League minutes were minimal for a good chunk of the season so far.
“He’s coming into the side now, but he’s getting to an age where he isn’t going to want to be a bit-part player, he’s not going to be happy playing a minimal number of minutes.
“Pep isn’t afraid to let players go, he rejuvenates the squad and they’ve had a big window.
“Cole Palmer is the perfect example, he’s not going to stand in his players’ way if they want to go elsewhere and play regular football.
“McAtee is becoming a good player, Pep is starting to trust him more, but it’s down to the player and if he’s playing at the level he wants to be at.
“The players City have ahead of them, they’re going to have to have more injuries and more problems for him to get ahead of them to start more regularly.
“If he goes to Bayer Leverkusen, he’s going to play.”
In other news, Man City ramp up bid to rival Real Madrid for Joshua Kimmich.
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