London heats up race to sign young Man City star
James McAtee attracted the attention of West Ham and Fulham in the winter transfer window. He wants to find more playing opportunities outside of Man City.
Manchester City youngster James McAtee is the talk of the transfer market, with both West Ham United and Fulham showing interest in him in the winter transfer window. This is an opportunity for the London clubs to add to their midfield ranks, while also opening up the possibility of McAtee seeking more playing time away from the Etihad.
Fulham targeted McAtee in the summer transfer window, as they looked to bolster their No. 10 squad. However, they ultimately opted to sign Emile Smith Rowe for a club-record fee. Now, having seen McAtee underused at Man City, Fulham are back in pursuit of the 22-year-old midfielder in the hope of bringing him to Craven Cottage.
McAtee has previously shone on loan at Sheffield United, scoring nine goals in 43 games and helping the club gain promotion to the Premier League in the 2022/23 season. His impressive performances have seen him voted Sheffield's best young player. However, when he returned to Manchester City, McAtee has had limited playing time, despite Pep Guardiola praising his talent.
Man City currently have no plans to let McAtee leave in the winter transfer window. The team is concerned about squad depth when it has to compete in many competitions. With two years left on his contract, McAtee is said to be considering his future, and has not ruled out the possibility of him leaving the Etihad in the same way Cole Palmer did when he moved to Chelsea.
West Ham and Fulham now face the challenge of convincing Man City to let go, as well as fierce competition for McAtee's signature. In that context, the young midfielder's decision will play an important role in shaping his future career.
