James McAtee bound for Man City return, Nottingham Forest are helpless - verdict

Nottingham Forest supporters have fallen head over heals for James McAtee since he arrived from Manchester City last summer.

His performances during the 2025-26 campaign were few and far between, often featuring off the bench, but that has completely changed now.

Oliver Glasner has sparked the 23-year-old into life at the City Ground, with the midfielder starting all four Premier League games so far.

McAtee looks like a totally different player as a central midfielder, one certainly worth the £30million that Forest paid for him two summers ago.

He is yet another example of Man City's prestigious academy, which continues to produce big talents and ship them across Europe.

New arrival at the City Ground, Liam Delap, is another example, who has since accumulated £100m across three different transfers.

James McAtee buy-back clause to concern Nottingham Forest

Unsurprisingly, as part of City's business, it is understood that both buy-back and sell-on clauses have been included in McAtee's contract.

And given his bright start to the season, it would not be a surprise if Enzo Maresca were to trigger the buy-back clause next summer.

It is believed to be in the region of £65m, but very few can be sure of the exact figure, with the financial details being hidden by the two clubs.

Even so, if the figure is £65m, he is likely to have proven himself worthy of that price tag by next summer, especially if his current form continues.

Should the Citizens exercise their buy-back option, there is very little that Forest can do about it, and may even raise the price tag for a return to the City Ground again.

Who else could Forest lose next summer?

Evangelos Marinakis backed his manager in the summer window, especially with deals for Delap and Ousmane Diomande.

The squad has yet to fully gel, but the positive signs are there, and Glasner is expected to produce the goods later in the season.

Should Forest experience a successful season, though, clubs could come knocking for several players, including Morgan Gibbs-White and Igor Jesus.

Arnaud Kalimuendo already has his admirers, and it is surprising to still see Murillo playing his football in a Forest shirt in 2026-27.