Manchester City stance on James McAtee after rejected Nottingham Forest bid

🚨 Headline: Manchester City firm on James McAtee: Ready to sell above £25m amid Forest bid, but end-loan offers rejected

Manchester City are reportedly willing to consider offers around £25 million for James McAtee—born in Salford and the captain of England’s Under‑21 European champions—after rejecting loan-to-buy advances, while Pep Guardiola admits selling may be necessary in a bid to streamline the squad. The young midfielder’s future is now firmly in flux following Nottingham Forest’s interest.

---

1. Forest bid and City’s valuation: context and response

Nottingham Forest reportedly made a £25 million bid to Manchester City for McAtee, seen by Sports Mole as matching City’s own asking price. City have also prioritized safeguarding future value by demanding a buy-back clause, and possibly a sell-on percentage in any deal.

Guardiola has publicly signaled that he still “wants to keep hold of James McAtee”, albeit acknowledging that the ultimate decision may be out of his hands if a satisfactory offer arrives.

---

2. Playing time struggles: frustration behind the scenes

Despite scoring seven goals across 27 appearances in the 2024–25 season, including a hat-trick against Salford City and his first Premier League goal against Ipswich, McAtee started just three Premier League matches.

Guardiola has reiterated the difficulty for young players to flourish without sustained minutes, yet expressed regret at McAtee’s limited exposure:

“It is not easy when you don’t get many minutes for your confidence.”

In December 2024, Pep admitted that McAtee had been treated “unfairly” and deserved more opportunities.

---

3. Loan proposals rejected: why City held firm

City declined a loan-to-buy proposal from Bayer Leverkusen—reportedly including a £5 million future buy clause—rejecting the move because Guardiola still envisaged a role for McAtee in the squad.

Leverkusen were also rebuffed in attempts to secure a straight loan without permanent option. City’s intent: retain control over his progression.

---

4. Guardiola’s balancing act: potential versus pragmatism

“I need him… but…”

Before Forest’s bid surfaced, Guardiola affirmed: “He is such a good footballer and a lovely guy… quite similar qualities as Phil [Foden].” Yet he remains realistic: McAtee can’t stay if not in Guardiola’s immediate plans, especially with City strengthening heavily in midfield.

Empathy amid squad overhaul

Guardiola has expressed “incredible empathy” for McAtee’s plight, recognizing the difficulty young players face as squad members lean on proven performers instead.

Squad trimming policy

City plan to reduce their bloated roster, with up to 17 players expected to depart in the summer. Sources list McAtee among those likely to move on.

---

5. Contract status and financial calculus

McAtee enters the final 12 to 18 months of his contract, expiring in mid-2026. Sources indicate City would prefer to sell now rather than lose him on a free.

City also see a transfer as suited to Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) accounting: any fee would be booked immediately as profit.

---

6. External interest lines up

Numerous clubs are said to have flirted with McAtee:

• Bundesliga suitors: Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig, Stuttgart, Eintracht Frankfurt.
• Premier League clubs: Fulham, West Ham, Crystal Palace, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest.

City’s stance: competing bids are welcome if they breach the £25m floor—and to include buy-back and sell-on protections.

---

7. McAtee’s own position: game time a priority

Reports suggest McAtee is growing increasingly frustrated with limited minutes. A return to loan football—or permanent exit—could be in his future unless Peacock can guarantee first-team opportunities.

He previously rejected interest from Celtic and Leverkusen in January, as he felt he still had an opening at City. But as minutes failed to materialize despite injuries and midfield reinforcement signings, his position toughened.

---

8. Post-Euro context: increased value and urgency

As captain of England U21s, McAtee lifted the European Championship trophy in June 2025 and was named player of the match in the final. His performances heightened interest from clubs across Europe.

City now face pressure to make a decision before his stock peaks—and potentially loses value after Euro-winning performance.

---

9. City’s broader transfer strategy and implications

Midfield overhaul

With City spending over £125m in midfield on signings like Nico Gonzalez, Tijjani Reijnders, and Rayan Cherki—plus Rodri’s return from injury—McAtee’s pathway has narrowed.

Avoiding repeat of Cole Palmer departure

Having watched Cole Palmer flourish at Chelsea after rejecting interest from City, the club appear cautious about repeating the same mistake. McAtee remains under their watch partly for that reason.

Financial prudence and regulation

Selling McAtee would count as immediate profit, helping City meet PSR targets. It also clears wage space and simplifies squad management.

---

🔍 Verdict: City open—but only at the right price

Manchester City’s position on James McAtee is clear: they would consider selling if a £25m+ offer arrives and the deal includes protective clauses. Loan bids have been turned down to avoid releasing control over his future. Meanwhile, Pep emphasizes McAtee’s quality and expresses regret at underusing him—but pragmatism likely prevails if his path is blocked.

In short: selling is on the table, but only under City’s conditions—and certainly not for less than their current valuation or without safeguards.

---

📌 Summary Table

Topic	Manchester City’s Position
Valuation	£25 million minimum with buy-back/sell-on clause
Loan offers	Rejected (e.g. Leverkusen) to prevent loss of control
Pep Guardiola’s view	Acknowledges quality and likes him, but accepts potential exit
Contract	Runs until 2026; willing to cash in now
Squad policy	Reducing squad size; trimming players seen as surplus
Interest level	Strong from Bundesliga and Premier League sides
McAtee’s stance	Seeking more minutes; open to move if not included in plans
Financial context	Transfer would count as immediate profit under PSR
Post-Euro effect	Value boosted by U21 captaincy and standout performances

---

🔮 Looking ahead: scenario possibilities

✅ If Forest (or others) meet City’s criteria:

• Contract negotiations with McAtee likely begin swiftly.
• Deal structure: guaranteed first-team minutes, buy-back clause, sell-on percentage.
• McAtee moves to a mid-sized Premier League or Bundesliga side.

🔄 If bids fall short or no agreement:

• McAtee may stay to fight for minutes under Guardiola.
• Scenario could repeat: limited playing time, frustration builds.
• City risks losing him for free in summer 2026 unless extension agreed.

---

📚 Broader implications for City’s policy

This situation encapsulates the tension between:

• Developing homegrown talent versus elite-competition pressures
• Financial sustainability versus player progression management
• Control over destiny versus real-world athlete needs

City appear determined to retain control—valuing McAtee’s potential highly but unwilling to let him go under terms they don’t champion.

---

🌟 Final thoughts

Man City’s handling of James McAtee reflects a club navigating its dual nature: proud nurturers of academy talent, yet ruthlessly professional in squad and financial management.

A sale for £25m or above, with contractual protections, would deliver: capital gain, squad clarity, and potential goodwill with future generations—should McAtee thrive elsewhere and City benefit from resale or buy-back.

Conversely, keeping him may result in wasted potential. McAtee deserves to play; City deserve return. The coming weeks may resolve whether ambition triumphs—or if patience and pragmatism give way to greener pastures.