Manchester City are set to resist any attempts to lure James McAtee away from the Etihad Stadium in the upcoming January transfer window, despite reported interest from West Ham United.
The 22-year-old midfielder has seen limited first-team opportunities this season but remains a valued member of Pep Guardiola’s squad, with the English champions unwilling to let him leave as they pursue a fifth consecutive Premier League title.
McAtee, who has spent most of the 2024-25 campaign featuring in domestic cup competitions and European fixtures, has made six appearances for City so far, scoring once. Although his opportunities have been restricted by the fierce competition for places at the Etihad, McAtee’s potential remains highly regarded by the City hierarchy. Sources close to the club have emphasized that, despite his lack of regular minutes in the Premier League, the young midfielder is not for sale and will be kept at the club amid a growing injury crisis that has already impacted Guardiola’s plans this season.
West Ham have reportedly shown interest in McAtee, but City are determined not to further weaken their already thin squad. The club’s decision is driven not only by McAtee’s potential value in the future but also by the ongoing injury problems that have plagued their midfield. With key players sidelined and competition at an all-time high for City’s stars, Guardiola is keen to retain every available option as he continues to challenge for domestic and European honors.
McAtee’s current contract at City has less than two years remaining, which adds an element of uncertainty about his long-term future. Despite this, the club is reportedly not looking to cash in on the talented English midfielder, who has been a part of City’s setup since his youth days. His ability to operate in a variety of midfield positions, including as an attacking midfielder, a deep-lying playmaker, or even on the right wing, makes him a versatile asset, and City are reluctant to part ways with him at this stage.
The Salford-born McAtee is no stranger to first-team football, having spent two seasons out on loan at Sheffield United in the Championship. His time with the Blades was highly successful, with McAtee playing a key role in their promotion to the Premier League in 2023. Over the course of his two loan spells, McAtee made 75 appearances, scoring 14 goals and providing eight assists. His performances in the Championship demonstrated his ability to make an impact at senior level, further cementing his potential as a future star.
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However, his return to City has seen him feature more sporadically, with McAtee mostly making appearances in less high-profile fixtures. Despite this, his experience in the Premier League with Sheffield United last season, when the club was relegated back to the Championship, has added to his development. While the Blades’ time in the top flight was brief, McAtee’s adaptability to a competitive environment, coupled with his technical ability, ensures he remains an attractive prospect for clubs like West Ham.
West Ham’s interest in McAtee underscores their ambition to strengthen their squad in the coming months. The Hammers have been on the lookout for talented young players who can add depth and creativity to their midfield, and McAtee’s profile fits that bill. However, any move for the midfielder could be complicated by City’s stance on not letting him go mid-season, especially with Guardiola’s reliance on him as a depth option during an intense period of the campaign.
Despite his limited appearances, McAtee’s time at City should not be underestimated. He remains an important part of their plans moving forward, and Guardiola’s approach to managing his younger players has often involved gradual integration into the first team. City’s long-term vision for McAtee likely includes him becoming a key figure within the squad, and selling him prematurely could undermine that vision.
For McAtee, a move to West Ham could present an opportunity to play regular first-team football, which is likely to appeal to the ambitious midfielder. His time at Sheffield United has shown he is capable of handling the demands of Premier League football, and playing more consistently at a top-flight club could further accelerate his development. However, McAtee’s priority will likely be to assess his role at City in the coming months, as he could yet earn a more significant role in Guardiola’s setup should injuries continue to impact the squad.
For now, it seems unlikely that McAtee will be granted a transfer in January, but the situation remains fluid. His future at City will depend largely on how the remainder of the season unfolds, with the club likely to reassess their stance in the summer depending on their squad needs. If McAtee does not secure more minutes in the first team, the possibility of a move elsewhere could become more probable, but for now, City are firm in their desire to keep him in the fold.
As Manchester City chase further silverware this season, the decision to retain McAtee seems logical. Guardiola’s squad is stretched thin, and with a busy schedule ahead, City will need every available player at their disposal. Whether McAtee can carve out more opportunities for himself in the coming months will depend on how the tactical landscape evolves at the Etihad, but for the time being, he remains an integral part of the club’s plans.
The coming weeks will reveal whether McAtee can break into Guardiola’s regular first-team plans or whether West Ham’s interest will lead to further discussions. For now, Manchester City have made it clear that they are not willing to let the 22-year-old leave in January, prioritizing the strength of their squad as they push for another Premier League title.