Nottingham Forest have emerged as serious contenders in the race to sign Manchester City’s highly rated young winger James McAtee, according to Sky Sports News. The 22-year-old midfielder, who has just one year remaining on his current deal at the Etihad, is being closely monitored by several Premier League clubs.
Despite ongoing interest, there is currently no indication that Manchester City are ready to part ways with McAtee. The reigning Premier League champions regard the player as a key prospect for the future. Pep Guardiola has reportedly been impressed by McAtee’s technical quality and tactical intelligence, considering him one of the academy’s most promising graduates.
McAtee has endured a frustrating campaign at City this season, making only two brief substitute appearances in the Premier League. This lack of playing time has led to mounting frustration, especially with the European Under-21 Championship approaching in the summer. Eager to secure more regular first-team football, McAtee is said to be open to a move away from Manchester, either permanently or on loan.
Nottingham Forest’s interest in McAtee persists even if they manage to retain both Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi — two players who have been linked with potential moves to other top-tier clubs. Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo is understood to be keen on adding more creativity and attacking depth to his squad, and sees McAtee as a natural fit for his system.
However, Forest are not the only club eyeing McAtee. Fellow Premier League sides West Ham United, Brentford, and Crystal Palace have also shown interest. The player has even attracted attention from top Bundesliga outfits such as Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, and RB Leipzig. According to multiple reports, City have already turned down as many as four separate £30 million offers from German clubs, underlining how highly they value the young talent.
For now, Manchester City are holding firm, but the clock is ticking. With only 12 months left on his contract, the club must soon decide whether to offer McAtee a new deal or risk losing him on a free transfer next summer and sign a new winger despite poor performances from Foden, Grealish, Doku, Silva and Savinho. Guardiola and his staff must weigh the midfielder’s long-term potential against his current readiness for regular first-team football, especially given the wealth of attacking options already in City's squad.
As the summer transfer window approaches, McAtee’s situation is expected to become one of the more compelling storylines. Whether Forest or another club can tempt Manchester City into a deal remains to be seen — but there is no doubt the talented winger will be in high demand.
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