‘Man City set for crunch James McAtee talks amid Tottenham interest’
Man City must decide on James McAtee’s long-term future as speculation over a move to Tottenham continues.
The 22-year-old scored seven goals in 27 appearances across all competitions for Pep Guardiola’s men last season.
But McAtee was handed just three Premier League starts last term, even though Man City dropped below their usual standards.
Furthermore, the attacking midfielder was left out of Guardiola’s Club World Cup squad and is instead captaining England in their Euro Under-21 campaign.
Guardiola tipped to hold future talks with McAtee
Despite enduring a lack of game time at Man City, McAtee has been able to show his quality and played a key role in the Etihad Stadium side’s run to last season’s FA Cup final.
While the England Under-21 international’s future in the North West is in doubt, the ex-Sheffield United loanee has attracted interest from Spurs, as reported by Tottenham News.
Former Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Nottingham Forest also want to sign McAtee.
Discussing the 22-year-old’s future on talkSPORT [25 June], Stuart Pearce said: “I like him as a player, there’s no doubt about that. I’ve been impressed with him at the Under-21 tournament.
“I’ve been impressed with him when he’s had a bit part at City, but he’ll get a feeling from the manager at the club with Pep whether he’s in his plans or not.
“I think a conversation will dictate that. When the same sort of thing happened with (Phil) Foden, you knew there was a plan for Foden long term, when he didn’t play regularly, he was in, he was out, he never went on loan.
“McAtee will be a different matter. I think he’s of an age he needs to be playing regularly at this moment in time, so he’ll have a feeling with the manager, and the manager will probably guide whether he’s in the plans or not long term.”
McAtee should be eager to quit Man City
The fact that McAtee was left out of Man City’s Club World Cup squad indicates that he does not boast a strong place in Guardiola’s pecking order.
| James McAtee stats | Premier League 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 15 |
| Starts | 3 |
| Goals | 3 |
Furthermore, summer signing Rayan Cherki looks set to further jeopardise the Englishman’s chances of enjoying more game time in the North West next season, even though Jack Grealish is set to be sold.
While Guardiola’s men have successfully navigated their way through to the Club World Cup knockout stages, McAtee has shone for England in the Under-21 Euros, notching a goal and an assist in four appearances.
The Man City academy graduate scored the opening goal in the Three Lions’ somewhat unlikely 3-1 victory over Spain on Saturday, 21 June, demonstrating his credentials at youth international level.
But McAtee’s attention will soon turn back to senior football, and he should be eager to enjoy more game time next season for the sake of his development, which will likely lie away from the Etihad Stadium.