A Manchester City midfielder is linked with West Ham and perhaps that move is for the best | OneFootball

One of the more curious cases this season for Manchester City has been the lack of minutes for James McAtee. After an impressive pre-season tour of the United States, it had appeared that McAtee would get his opportunity to make a mark at Manchester City this season. But for whatever reason that hasn’t happened. Even with City suffering an injury crisis McAtee couldn’t get on the pitch. Now, a new report indicates that West Ham has an interest in signing the England youth international. Based on McAtee’s lack of opportunities, perhaps that move would be for the best for all concerned if it did materialise.

Alan Nixon has reported for the Sun that James McAtee has emerged as a target for West Ham. Nixon adds that West Ham could lose Brazilian international Lucas Paqueta in January. Furthermore, Nixon adds that Botafogo has an interest in signing Paqueta. If he is sold then West Ham may move for McAtee in January. As per Nixon’s report, a fee of over £20 million could potentially see McAtee move to West Ham.

Perhaps selling James McAtee is the best move for him and Manchester City.

As reported previously, despite Manchester City’s injury situation, James McAtee still can’t get an opportunity at the world champions. The young midfielder has made 6 appearances for City in competitions. He has also only played one minute of Premier League football this season. That came during the finals stages of City’s 4-1 win over Ipswich Town earlier this season.

Even as Manchester City navigated their way through an injury crisis over the past month McAtee still couldn’t get an opportunity. That fact did pose the question: if McAtee couldn’t get a chance to impress during City’s injury issues, will he ever get that opportunity? With Pep Guardiola’s side looking like a host of key players will return after the current international break the chances appear slim that McAtee will now get that opportunity. Based on that fact perhaps a move to a team like West Ham is the best thing for McAtee and Manchester City.

A move for McAtee would allow him to play. There is no doubting McAtee’s talent, but he just may be a level below what is required at the world champions. Perhaps moving to West Ham can kick-start his career. He has impressed for England’s under-21 side this season. If he does move to a club like West Ham that may be the opportunity he needs to take the next step in his career.

Based on, Alan Nixon’s report it doeshasm that West Ham have an interest in signing James McAtee. Based on what has happened this season perhaps that is the best move for McAtee and Manchester City going forward.