Jude Bellingham cited as Man City sensation backed to agree Bundesliga move
James McAtee has been backed to join a European club amid ongoing speculation about his future under Pep Guardiola at Man City.
This is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 22-year-old could follow in the footsteps of the likes of Jadon Sancho.
That comes amid reported interest from the likes of Bundesliga outfits Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig and Stuttgart.
Despite his FA Cup third round hattrick in an 8-0 win against Salford, McAtee is not expected to be part of Pep Guardiola’s long-term plans at the Etihad.
Concerns have emerged around the futures of Kevin de Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan, but City are expected to address those concerns in the transfer market.
As a result, the attacking midfielder could be forced even further down the pecking order, while he has started just four games for City this term.
He has attracted interest from a number of clubs both in the Premier League and abroad, and there is a growing feeling that a move to Germany could provide the best option.
Man City star James McAtee could make Bundesliga switch after new twist
Brown previously told Football Insider that McAtee could push to leave City this months as a lot of clubs have been keeping tabs on his progress since his loan spell at Sheffield United.
Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience working closely with top-level players including in over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that the midfielder’s development may be better served abroad.
“I don’t think he’s got much of a future at Man City,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s not going to slot into one of their midfield positions where De Bruyne and Gundogan are at the moment, they’re more likely to sign new players there.
“But he is a decent player and he’s played when when called upon.
“It might be that he’s better off moving away, and I’m told there’s been interest from abroad.
“When you look at what the likes of Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham did in Germany, that could be the best move for him to develop his game.
“He’s got to play regular football and become more consistent, but that only comes if he can start games, not just come off the bench every now and then.”
In other news, Man City make decision on signing Kyle Walker replacement.
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