James McAtee plans second club visit after Eintracht Frankfurt meeting – Premier League interest looms | OneFootball

Manchester City are seeing James McAtee intensify his search for a new club this summer as a permanent exit from the Etihad Stadium looms large.

After returning from two season-long loans at Sheffield United following the conclusion of the 2023/24 season, McAtee’s future at City has looked increasingly uncertain despite a show of faith from Pep Guardiola during the last summer transfer window to retain his services.

The 22-year-old midfielder remains highly rated at the Etihad Stadium, but with first-team competition at an elite level and having become only more congested this summer, a permanent exit now appears to be the likeliest outcome of this window.

City are understood to value McAtee at around £40 million including add-ons, but would be willing to negotiate with interested clubs over a realistic package. The Premier League giants are keen to ensure any exit includes favourable terms, including a significant sell-on clause or buy-back option.

McAtee’s talent and pedigree — forged through years at City’s Academy and across two Premier League campaigns — has attracted a wide pool of interest. His strong performances during his second spell at Bramall Lane helped reaffirm his status as one of England’s most technically gifted midfielders. Now, firm interest from Germany is pushing developments.

According to the information of MailSport’s Simon Jones, James McAtee is set to visit Borussia Dortmund in addition to his trip to Eintracht Frankfurt in the coming days, as the England youth international prepares to decide his club future.

However, it is stressed that Premier League side Nottingham Forest remain poised to make an offer of their own, but are reluctant to exceed £25 million plus add-ons despite admiration for the Manchester City Academy talent.

Despite the uncertainties surrounding Morgan Gibbs-White and a potential move to Tottenham still in the background, the report makes clear that Forest want McAtee to bolster their squad regardless of whether their captain stays or leaves the club.

McAtee’s openness to a move abroad reflects a growing trend among young English talents willing to step into major European leagues in pursuit of regular minutes and UEFA Champions League exposure.

Borussia Dortmund’s track record with developing emerging stars such as Jadon Sancho, Jude Bellingham, and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, and Eintracht Frankfurt’s reputation as a springboard for Premier League-bound talents, both appeal to the Manchester City playmaker.

Nevertheless, a stay in the English top-flight cannot be ruled out. Nottingham Forest are long-term admirers and would likely offer McAtee a key creative role in their midfield rebuild. Their ability to provide guaranteed game time could prove a critical factor in negotiations, even as financial constraints limit their flexibility compared to European suitors.

Manchester City, for their part, are expected to remain closely involved in all stages of the process. The Premier League giants are open to sanctioning a sale, but are insistent on protecting their long-term interests — especially given McAtee’s profile and potential.

With a decision expected in the coming weeks, James McAtee’s next move could define the trajectory of a career that continues to generate significant attention both at home and abroad.