Josko Gvardiol reacts to James McAtee message amid Man City exit update
James McAtee has been heavily linked with a move away from Manchester City this summer.
McAtee was part of the City side that failed to defend their Premier League title this season, finishing 13 points behind runaway winner Liverpool.
The Manchester side ended the campaign third in the table, which is their lowest top-flight finish since the 2016/17 season, eight years ago.
Former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Pep Guardiola is set to overhaul his City squad, in an attempt to fight back against Arne Slot’s side.
McAtee could be one of many to depart
McAtee is set to leave Man City this summer, with Football Insider exclusively revealing that the 22-year-old could be departing with talented winger Jack Grealish.
The midfielder has come through the academy at City, and made his maiden first-team appearance back in the 2021/22 campaign, before two loan spells at Sheffield United.
However, the England under-21 international only made 15 appearances for Guardiola’s side this season, as he struggled for game time.
| Games | Goals | Assists |
| 15 | 3 | 0 |
Recently (4 June), McAtee took to Instagram to showcase the work he’s been putting in during his time off, with the caption: “Week off but not off it.”
City teammate Josko Gvardiol liked the post to show his support and appreciation.
City set for busy summer
Football Insider Verdict
If he stays, McAtee is once again likely to struggle for first-team minutes next season, considering the quality that Guardiola is expecting to bring in over the summer.
City are set to sign Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan, in an attempt to rejuvenate their midfield, and fill the void left by the departing Kevin De Bruyne.
With Liverpool looking primed to bring Florian Wirtz to Anfield, the Manchester side are desperate to ensure they are not left behind.
A 13-point gap is hard enough to close in one summer, let alone when a team that far ahead is so intent on improving and adding talented players.
If Guardiola is to successfully rebuild his City squad, then he will need to get to work in the transfer market and start getting deals over the line.