Bundesliga and Premier League clubs circle for Manchester City’s James McAtee | OneFootball

James McAtee could yet leave Manchester City on a permanent transfer this summer amid growing interest from Germany and the English top-flight, according to reports.

The England youth international found himself at the centre of Pep Guardiola’s early plans coming into the ongoing 2024/25 season, with the Manchester City standing firm on his belief that McAtee had a role to play in his squad.

While club officials including Txiki Begiristain were open to a sale or a third consecutive loan for the midfielder, Guardiola insisted that he wanted to retain the Manchester City Academy graduate in his roster although opportunities since have been hard to come by.

With only a handful of Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and UEFA Champions League appearances and minutes to his name since the start of the season, there is an ongoing discussion as to whether McAtee may find himself a new opportunity before this summer.

As such, there remains no guarantee of the midfielder having the chance to star for the club at the FIFA Club World Cup depending on the proposals that come forward for his services, and the latest reports would appear to indicate a pending race for his signature.

That is according to the information of Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, who reveals that James McAtee has received ‘several’ enquiries from clubs in the Bundesliga, including Bayer Leverkusen – who are reportedly ‘still keen’ on the England youth international.

From the side of the recently de-throned German top-flight champions, it is explained that their next steps on the subject of the Manchester City midfielder will depend on the appointment of a new manager, with Xabi Alonso joining Real Madrid.

A permanent departure from Manchester City this summer is said to remain possible for James McAtee, who is simultaneously seeing Premier League clubs also monitoring his situation at the Etihad Stadium.

While many had originally expected James McAtee to be Manchester City’s standout young name this season, his struggle for consistent minutes has left the door open for another name to take on that title.

As such, the ongoing season has largely been one more about Nico O’Reilly, after the Academy midfielder made a name for himself in the left-sided full-back role, allowing for teammate Josko Gvardiol to excel in his natural position of central defence.

With a number of arrivals expected to be secured by Manchester City recruitment officials this summer, including those throughout the midfield ranks, many would expect McAtee to only struggle further for a clear pathway into Pep Guardiola’s consistent line-up plans.

On the subject of an exit, City would be expected to sign off on an agreement that sees them not only earn a healthy fee, but perhaps retains some sort of future involvement in the player via a buy-back, sell-on, or purchase option clauses.