87 | James McAtee 2025/2026

[Lovebitesandeveryfing]

Seems inevitable he will lead but for me he should be kept within the squad.

If we go with a midfield 3 next year of Rodri, Reijnders and Bernardo he would be ideally suited to fill Bernardo’s role.

Personally so would rather see Gundogan move on as otherwise if McAtee leaves this summer and Gundog next we will be again looking for a replacement.

I think the comments are right he has played within himself last year but if we cannot unlock that we’ve got a great player on our hands.

Additionally, looking at the bigger picture, it’s not a great look for the academy and future academy players if the captain of the U21s lifts the u21 championship and gets sold the same summer.

Not sure about several of the points here (and I'm just discussing with you, you understand).
Whatever his talents are, I don't see him as at all the same type of player as Gundo. I think the argument for him as replacement for Bernardo is more convincing, personally. Now — when is Bernardo going? Who knows? Does he even know? There's the problem.
Not a great look for the academy? Well, if he goes on to nail down a good starting spot at a decent PL club (maybe one of the top six) on the strength of his apprenticeship at City, and this tournament, I wouldn't say that's exactly discouraging either. Players in the EDS know very well that the first team is very exalted company indeed, and breaking into it is a long shot. Of course, they've got to believe, but very few will be chosen. They must look around and see players like Tosin, Lavia or Palmer making a career for themselves.
Arguing the other side: he hasn't had any kind of real run in the side. This is what bothers me. I can't offhand think of a full ninety-minute match he played in the PL last season. Might be wrong, but one doesn't come to mind. It's true that he hasn't imposed himself, has not looked very impressive, has looked kind of timid in fact (I've said it myself when I thought it, and posted it here), but some players need to play themselves into a team. Nico O'Reilly seemed to come into the side and do a job straight away. But players are different, they're not robots.
I for one had no idea that the great Rodri would become anything like what he has become when I first saw him play at West Ham.
I'm still very much on the fence about this lad. I suppose he'll go, but I don't particularly want him to.

 

[Gabriel]

Not sure about several of the points here (and I'm just discussing with you, you understand).
Whatever his talents are, I don't see him as at all the same type of player as Gundo. I think the argument for him as replacement for Bernardo is more convincing, personally. Now — when is Bernardo going? Who knows? Does he even know? There's the problem.
Not a great look for the academy? Well, if he goes on to nail down a good starting spot at a decent PL club (maybe one of the top six) on the strength of his apprenticeship at City, and this tournament, I wouldn't say that's exactly discouraging either. Players in the EDS know very well that the first team is very exalted company indeed, and breaking into it is a long shot. Of course, they've got to believe, but very few will be chosen. They must look around and see players like Tosin, Lavia or Palmer making a career for themselves.
Arguing the other side: he hasn't had any kind of real run in the side. This is what bothers me. I can't offhand think of a full ninety-minute match he played in the PL last season. Might be wrong, but one doesn't come to mind. It's true that he hasn't imposed himself, has not looked very impressive, has looked kind of timid in fact (I've said it myself when I thought it, and posted it here), but some players need to play themselves into a team. Nico O'Reilly seemed to come into the side and do a job straight away. But players are different, they're not robots.
I for one had no idea that the great Rodri would become anything like what he has become when I first saw him play at West Ham.
I'm still very much on the fence about this lad. I suppose he'll go, but I don't particularly want him to.

Bernardo Silva’s contract expires June 2026, as does Gundogan’s, and so, too, does McAtee’s. Unless the club is wary of a ‘Palmerpeat’ and block it, I’d be very surprised if Chelsea don’t make a move for McAtee this summer.

 

[Dubciteh]

Seems inevitable he will lead but for me he should be kept within the squad.

If we go with a midfield 3 next year of Rodri, Reijnders and Bernardo he would be ideally suited to fill Bernardo’s role.

Personally would rather see Gundogan move on as otherwise if McAtee leaves this summer and Gundog next we will be again looking for a replacement.

I think the comments are right he has played within himself last year but if we cannot unlock that we’ve got a great player on our hands.

Additionally, looking at the bigger picture, it’s not a great look for the academy and future academy players if the captain of the U21s lifts the u21 championship and gets sold the same summer.

We had the captain of the winners two years ago and i dont think he played a game for us either(certainly not a significant one) before being sold. I dont think it has an impact on the bigger picture tbh if anything it will be seen as a positive.

 

[Wombat]

England captain James McAtee named official Under-21 EURO final Player of the Match | UEFA Under-21

James McAtee has been named Player of the Match for the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship final.

www.uefa.com

I understand why he might be sold, but goodness me, I do think that there is a first class player there, perhaps he hasn't the confidence when in the first team at City compared to playing for the national team under 21s. I would like him to stay and make a success of it at City, but yep, but it is difficult in our squad.

 

[franksinatra]

Not sure about several of the points here (and I'm just discussing with you, you understand).
Whatever his talents are, I don't see him as at all the same type of player as Gundo. I think the argument for him as replacement for Bernardo is more convincing, personally. Now — when is Bernardo going? Who knows? Does he even know? There's the problem.
Not a great look for the academy? Well, if he goes on to nail down a good starting spot at a decent PL club (maybe one of the top six) on the strength of his apprenticeship at City, and this tournament, I wouldn't say that's exactly discouraging either. Players in the EDS know very well that the first team is very exalted company indeed, and breaking into it is a long shot. Of course, they've got to believe, but very few will be chosen. They must look around and see players like Tosin, Lavia or Palmer making a career for themselves.
Arguing the other side: he hasn't had any kind of real run in the side. This is what bothers me. I can't offhand think of a full ninety-minute match he played in the PL last season. Might be wrong, but one doesn't come to mind. It's true that he hasn't imposed himself, has not looked very impressive, has looked kind of timid in fact (I've said it myself when I thought it, and posted it here), but some players need to play themselves into a team. Nico O'Reilly seemed to come into the side and do a job straight away. But players are different, they're not robots.
I for one had no idea that the great Rodri would become anything like what he has become when I first saw him play at West Ham.
I'm still very much on the fence about this lad. I suppose he'll go, but I don't particularly want him to.

More than happy to discuss. I agree also I don’t see McAtee as a Gundogan replacement and your quite right that would be Reijnders and I would argue the back up for him, along with Gundo would be Gonzalez so three players in the squad for that role. For Bernardo I think Mcattee is most similar and with Bernardo being appointed the captain I think that is a clear hint we may play a 4-3-3 next year and, where seeking more control, may play on the right of the front three in a 4-3-3 formation, or even part of a double pivot with Rodri or when Rodri is rested. That might well open up opportunities for McAtee and as Bernardo contract ends next year, the club may have an inkling of his plans so, by keeping him, we could be head of the curve in succession planning.

Yes a few players have made career for themselves after moving on, but let’s be honest some have moved because they never felt they were going to get a chance, McAtee also not getting a chance will probably reinforce this.

Sancho, Palmer, Lavia possibly Bynoe-Gittens we would have wanted to keep.

I really think if the team gets his mojo back next year, McAtee built up his confidence, he could play a role next year and for years to come.

 

[franksinatra]

When you look at our midfield he's unlikely to get a look in & Reijnders is Gundogans' long time replacement.

Rodri / Nico G / Kovacic
Reijnders / Gundogan
Bernardo / Foden / Cherki

Echeverri & O'Reilly are possibly ahead. It would have been nice to see him make it at City, but he has to do what's best for his career.

If we could get Livramento for £80 to £90 million & then sell them McAtee £40m it would be a good deal all round

For me If we had to, I would sacrifice Gundogan. It looks great on paper but It’s unlikely Rodri can play every week and besides Reijnders, all the other were here last year and most considered the lack of mobility a key issue in midfield.

Cherki and Echeverri I would say play different roles, off the striker, and O Reilly might be ahead of him at left back but never even made the U21 squad let alone captain the side.

 

[Gaz (FMwkdsoul)]

.... That might well open up opportunities for McAtee and as Bernardo contract ends next year, the club may have an inkling of his plans so, by keeping him, we could be head of the curve in succession planning....
.

McAtees contract is also up next year... no indication they are in talks for a new one either

 

[Blue_Lightsaber]

McAtees contract is also up next year... no indication they are in talks for a new one either

He has been offered one many times as we didn't want to lose him like Palmer but he's refused to sign.

Essentially that forces City to sell him with a year left, so I've made my peace with it.

 

[Cheadle_hulmeBlue]

If you want to be competing for all the major trophies giving youth games and waiting for them to develop is very hard.

Other top clubs seems to do it. I’d argue we’ve spent huge amounts of money on players who have been quite average as well, when we had more talented youngsters

Obviously only one or two will make it, but currently it’s impossible for any young player at city. We don’t seem to know how to develop our own youngsters

 

[bert38]

He had a great QF and SF

He really grew into the tournament-always seems like he needs more self confidence-he's a fantastic player.

That turn on the half way line last night, wow!

Knitted the whole game together for England last night-perhaps should've scored 3/4 goals in the tournament but his play was so neat and calm. Needs to go and play games to fulfill his potential.

 

[Pedestrian]

What a technically excellent footballer. Seems to struggle to stay in the game at times but will definitely have a productive career. Wish him well.

 

[allblackcitizen]

Much as I like him and would like to see him make it and do well with us, with 1 year left on his deal I can't see anything but a sale. Can't see a new contract being offered or him accepting in current circumstances. To me he's easily the equivalent of Palmer, with more experience and perhaps a bigger profile to Palmer when he was sold, so £40m-£45m should be the benchmark. That said we were kind of lucky Chelsea were throwing cash around when they bought Palmer (obvs in hindsight it worked out well for them), and unless they repeat the trick I can't see too many other teams which might be willing to spend that kind of money on McAtee. Maybe to the Bundesliga with a hefty sell on or a loan with an obligation to buy?

Looks like we're going to pocket around £10m for the sell on fees for Delap and Bynoe-Gittens combined, which all helps!

 

[Damocles]

He's too good to sell and not good enough to play for us.

McAtee has the Theo Walcott problem in as much as everybody is waiting for him to develop into the elite level player that he could become, where he can grab games by the scruff and impose himself on them, but we're waiting and waiting and it's not happening.

He needs a move. He'#s never going to be a top player if he stays here, even if we play him every week.

 

[allblackcitizen]

Much as I like him and would like to see him make it and do well with us, with 1 year left on his deal I can't see anything but a sale. Can't see a new contract being offered or him accepting in current circumstances. To me he's easily the equivalent of Palmer, with more experience and perhaps a bigger profile to Palmer when he was sold, so £40m-£45m should be the benchmark. That said we were kind of lucky Chelsea were throwing cash around when they bought Palmer (obvs in hindsight it worked out well for them), and unless they repeat the trick I can't see too many other teams which might be willing to spend that kind of money on McAtee. Maybe to the Bundesliga with a hefty sell on or a loan with an obligation to buy?

Looks like we're going to pocket around £10m for the sell on fees for Delap and Bynoe-Gittens combined, which all helps!

Ooops! I read yesterday that we had a 10% sell on clause for Gittens. Now i'm reading that we don't. Oh well

 

[mexico1970]

He's too good to sell and not good enough to play for us.

That's about it in a nutshell for me, a quandary for sure.

 

[WallyA]

I think he has been good for the england u21s in this tournament.

But he hasn't stood out to me, Anderson and Elliott were more standouts.

I still didn't see someone who is good enough to break into our squad, he has stagnated for me for a few years.

 

[Gabriel]

It’s ironic that he’s likely heading for the exit door just as we’re looking a changed side, playing with greater confidence and utilising substitutes, which is ideally when you want to integrate academy players.

 

[r.soleofsalford]

He's too good to sell and not good enough to play for us.

McAtee has the Theo Walcott problem in as much as everybody is waiting for him to develop into the elite level player that he could become, where he can grab games by the scruff and impose himself on them, but we're waiting and waiting and it's not happening.

He needs a move. He'#s never going to be a top player if he stays here, even if we play him every week.

I agree, also if they go on loan to different clubs like McAtee did at Sheff Utd, looking decent to ok doesn’t cut it enough to get into our 1st team or squad. Being the best player by a mile might give him a better chance of making it in our squad but would still have to kick on to be considered anywhere near our 1st eleven.

 

[Gabriel]

I agree, also if they go on loan to different clubs like McAtee did at Sheff Utd, looking decent to ok doesn’t cut it enough to get into our 1st team or squad. Being the best player by a mile might give him a better chance of making it in our squad but would still have to kick on to be considered anywhere near our 1st eleven.

We only need the ‘first eleven’ for about a third of games, but with better rotation and better use of substitutions, that ‘first eleven’ would be stronger when called upon. I’ve been resigned to McAtee leaving since April 27, but cant help think we’ll be looking for homegrown at the end of next season, too, and then overpaying for someone who’s no more than a squad player.

 

[Gaz (FMwkdsoul)]

Skillset isn't different enough from those we have to keep around, bring nothing really extra to the table right now. Tidy midfielder, pick the right club and have fun lad.