Leverkusen Eye Midfielder with City Demanding Over £25m | OneFootball

James McAtee to Leverkusen? A Rising Star at a Crossroads

McAtee’s Future Hangs on International Duty

James McAtee’s name is once again echoing across Europe’s transfer radar, with Bayer Leverkusen reportedly set to make an offer when the window reopens. While the initial move was halted by the closure of the first window, the groundwork appears firmly in motion. McAtee, 22, is currently leading the England U21s in Slovakia, and any developments will have to wait until the U21s Euros and the Club World Cup conclude.

City’s Valuation Reflects McAtee’s Potential

According to Sky Sports, Manchester City are holding out for “in excess of £25m plus add-ons,” though some feel the true valuation “may be much higher.” McAtee’s stock is rising and comparisons with former academy teammate Cole Palmer are unavoidable. Palmer left City for Chelsea at £40 million, setting a precedent that City may lean on.

Leverkusen Project Tempts the Attacker

There’s also clear player interest. “The player is understood to be keen to join Leverkusen if the clubs can come to an agreement,” the report states. Given Leverkusen’s attacking ethos and growing Bundesliga reputation under Xabi Alonso, the move makes sense for a player seeking first-team football in a high-quality environment.

England U21s Form Enhances Value

Captaining his country is no small feat, and McAtee is showcasing his maturity as well as his technical class on the international stage. His tournament performance may further hike the price and attract more suitors.

Photo: IMAGO

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This has all the makings of another bittersweet chapter for City fans. On one hand, it is immensely gratifying to see James McAtee, a product of the academy, leading the England U21s and attracting attention from clubs like Bayer Leverkusen. It speaks volumes about the youth system Pep Guardiola and his staff have cultivated.

But on the other hand, there is an undeniable worry. City already let Cole Palmer go for £40 million, and while that fee was respectable, Palmer’s rise at Chelsea left many wondering what could have been. If McAtee follows suit and blossoms in Germany, fans may again question whether the club is too quick to part with its brightest young stars.

The quoted figure of “£25m plus add-ons” might sound good on paper, but if McAtee turns into a consistent goal threat in Europe, it could soon look like a bargain for Leverkusen. Especially with the player reportedly “keen to join,” City must decide if this is another Cole Palmer story or if they want to trust him with more responsibility at the Etihad.

Sometimes, selling talent is good business. But other times, it is just plain short-sighted.