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Manchester City Turn Down £25m Offer from Nottingham Forest for James McAtee
Ank kumar, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Manchester City have rejected an official £25 million bid from Nottingham Forest for attacking midfielder James McAtee. Talks between the two Premier League clubs progressed over the weekend, but City are holding firm on their valuation.
The 22-year-old remains a key figure in Pep Guardiola’s long-term plans despite competition for places in midfield. McAtee impressed during his loan spell at Sheffield United last season, scoring four Premier League goals and creating several chances in a struggling side.
Forest are keen to strengthen their squad ahead of the new campaign and see McAtee as a player who can add creativity and balance in the middle of the pitch. However, Manchester City consider him a homegrown talent with significant potential and are unwilling to sanction a move unless a higher bid is submitted.
City’s stance is backed by interest from other clubs, including Brighton and Southampton, who are monitoring McAtee’s situation closely. No formal offer has been made by either side, but discussions could accelerate if Forest return with improved terms.
Sources around the club confirm that City would only consider a permanent transfer if a sell-on clause and buy-back option are included. This reflects the club’s strategy of retaining future influence over their young academy players.
James McAtee featured during City’s pre-season tour and remains part of the first-team squad for the upcoming Community Shield fixture. Guardiola praised his development and versatility during a recent press conference, underlining the club’s confidence in his future contribution.
McAtee is under contract at the Etihad until 2026. City are also considering a potential loan if they believe regular top-flight minutes will benefit his growth, but no decision has been finalised.
The transfer window closes in a few weeks, and more movement is expected, especially from clubs targeting homegrown profiles. Forest are still active in the market and may come back with a new approach, but for now, Manchester City are standing firm.
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