Manchester City finalise agreement with Nottingham Forest for James McAtee – Transfer fee and clauses revealed | OneFootball

Manchester City officials have finalised an agreement to sell James McAtee to Nottingham Forest on a permanent deal, it has been revealed.

The 22-year-old has long been regarded as one of the brightest talents to emerge from City’s Academy system, having played a starring role in their Elite Development Squad before making the step up to senior football last season.

McAtee spent two consecutive campaigns on loan at Sheffield United, helping the Blades secure Premier League promotion, and returned for their top-flight campaign before being recalled by Pep Guardiola upon the Bramall Lane side’s relegation back to the Championship.

However, opportunities under Guardiola have been limited, and with competition for places in City’s midfield intensifying following the arrivals of players such as Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki this summer, McAtee’s route to regular action appeared increasingly narrow.

Interest in his signature has been widespread, with Premier League and Bundesliga clubs monitoring his situation for several weeks. Nottingham Forest, who have been active in targeting young, technically gifted players capable of making an immediate impact, quickly positioned themselves at the front of the queue.

Now, according to the information of The Athletic’s David Ornstein, officials at Nottingham Forest have struck a total agreement with their Manchester City counterparts to sign James McAtee on a permanent deal.

It is revealed that the deal for the England Under-21 international attacking midfielder is worth £30 million, with Manchester City also retaining both a sell-on and buy-back clause in the agreement.

For City, this structure ensures they are financially rewarded if McAtee’s value rises in the future while also keeping the option to bring him back should he develop into the player many at the club still believe he can become.

The decision reflects a broader strategy in Manchester City’s transfer dealings, seen in similar clauses attached to other Academy departures in recent years.

From Nottingham Forest’s perspective, the move represents a significant statement of intent as they seek to bolster their midfield creativity and attacking threat. James McAtee’s vision, composure on the ball, and ability to unlock defences could be crucial in their bid to further climb the Premier League table.

With the transfer now agreed, attention will turn to how quickly McAtee can integrate into Forest’s system and make the step from being a promising talent to a consistent top-flight performer.

For Manchester City fans, his progress will be one to watch closely, knowing there remains a pathway back to the Etihad Stadium should circumstances align in the future – as proven by James Trafford’s return to the club from Burnley earlier this summer.