‘James McAtee set for Man City exit after brutal Pep Guardiola snub’
James McAtee looks more likely than ever to part ways with Man City following Pep Guardiola’s latest decision in the FA Cup final.
The Catalan named his squad to face Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, 17 May, with all the usual suspects of Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias, and Phil Foden included in the squad.
However, Vitor Reis and Claudio Echeverri were shock inclusions for the shock 1-0 final defeat, registering just three first-team appearances between them since their arrivals during the winter window.
Their inclusions, though, meant that Mateo Kovacic and, equally as surprising, McAtee were left out of the trip to Wembley despite growing into a more important role under Guardiola in recent weeks.
Taking to X (17 May), Jack Gaughan wrote: “Claudio Echeverri and Vitor Reis have been preferred on City’s bench to Rico Lewis and James McAtee,” suggesting that no new injuries have played a part.
James McAtee snubbed from Man City squad for FA Cup final
Despite rarely being given a chance in the first team until the second half of the campaign, the 22-year-old has still managed to notch seven goals in 27 appearances across all competitions.
Many supporters have been hoping for McAtee to follow in the footsteps of Foden, who could be given a new role in the Man City team next season after De Bruyne’s emotional exit.
Instead, the attacking midfielder has been heavily linked with an exit from the Etihad Stadium this summer, with his strange lack of minutes likely playing an important role in that decision.
Football Insider understands that McAtee is ready to move to Nottingham Forest amid interest emerging from the City Ground in recent weeks, though many clubs are vying for his signature.
| Player | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| James McAtee | 34 | 7 | 0 |
Pep Guardiola to cause the Citizens to lose sensational youngster
That should be evidence enough that Guardiola is not taking full advantage of the player’s talents on the pitch, but his actions this season could mean City losing one of their biggest academy products.
Nico O’Reilly and Rico Lewis have been given plenty of opportunities in the senior squad, which makes the snub of McAtee all the more confusing after a number of impressive performances recently.
With the Eagles taking an early lead at Wembley Stadium, the 22-year-old’s talent and excitement on the ball could have made an important impact rather than one player who has yet to make his debut.
The majority of fans will be expecting a summer exit for McAtee, especially after missing out on the FA Cup final, and it just seems like a matter of time before an offer is accepted for his signature now.