Sources: Man City open contract talks with teen whizz McAtee said by coaches to be ‘next Foden’
Manchester City have opened talks with rising star James McAtee over a new contract, Football Insider understands.
The teen sensation, 18, is tipped as the next academy talent to break into the first team after starring for City Under-23s this season.
A City source has told Football Insider the Premier League champions are keen to tie McAtee down to a new and improved deal.
The 18-year-old attacking midfielder has two years left on his first professional contract, which was signed in July 2020.
City coaches believe McAtee has the potential to match the stunning first-team exploits of England star Phil Foden.
After graduating from City’s academy, Foden is now a regular starter under Pep Guardiola.
It is hoped McAtee can follow in Foden’s footsteps after an encouraging season of development football that has coaches convinced he is as good as the first-team star at the same age.
In the last season’s Premier League 2, McAtee picked eight goals and nine assists in 23 outings.
For context, in Foden’s nine Premier League 2 outings during 2017/18, he picked up six goals and five assists.
McAtee has played as an attacking midfielder and a holding midfielder this season and has impressed in both roles.
Playing further back has given him the chance to pick up more assists.
In four outings as a deeper midfielder, McAtee has four assists compared to the one he picked up as an attacker.
Throughout his City career, McAtee has played on both wings and occasionally as an out and out striker.
This draws yet another comparison with the versatile Foden as City hope they can tie down another promising prospect.
Manchester City are next in action against Chelsea in the Champions League final on Saturday.
In other news, Guardiola’s ‘crocodile tears’ slammed after report shines light on Aguero’s Man City exit – pundit.