Manchester City are looking to shake things up on the team as manager Pep Guardiola is all about rebuilding the squad and getting back that lost glory. The current roster at City is pretty bloated, and they are gearing up for some changes this summer. However, the midfield is a crowded place with a lot of competition, leading to rumors that James McAtee, a Manchester City academy graduate, might be heading out of the Etihad.
The 22-year-old midfielder’s contract runs until 2026, but the club has yet to offer him a new deal. This has left McAtee contemplating his options for the upcoming season. According to reports, both Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund from the Bundesliga have shown interest in the England U-21 star. Additionally, Nottingham Forest from the Premier League is also in the mix if McAtee decides to stay in England.
Guardiola expressed his frustration with the selection dilemma after City’s win over Bournemouth, stating that leaving so many players out is taking a toll on his soul. He even went as far as threatening to quit as manager if the squad size is not reduced this summer. McAtee’s situation at the club seems uncertain, especially after Guardiola blocked his loan move to Leverkusen in January, indicating that the youngster was part of his plans.
As the days go by, it appears less likely that McAtee will continue at the Etihad beyond this summer. However, if City presents him with a clear development plan, there might be a chance of him reconsidering his decision to leave. With the potential departure of club icon Kevin de Bruyne and talks already underway with AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, the competition for midfield spots is only going to intensify in the coming seasons.
It remains to be seen where McAtee will end up this summer. Leverkusen and Dortmund are known for nurturing young talent, and the fast-paced football in the Bundesliga could suit McAtee’s playing style. Both clubs are set to feature in the Champions League next season, providing him with a platform to grow as a player. On the other hand, a move to Nottingham Forest could also be beneficial, allowing him to showcase his skills under the guidance of an experienced manager like Nuno Espirito Santo.
In any case, a departure from the Etihad seems highly likely and necessary for McAtee’s overall development and progress. The decision he makes will shape his future in football and determine the path he takes to reach his full potential. The interest from top clubs and the opportunity for growth in different leagues present McAtee with exciting possibilities for the next phase of his career. The coming months will reveal where the talented midfielder lands and how he continues to evolve as a player.
