Romano: Nottingham Forest step up £20m move for Man City midfielder | OneFootball

McAtee’s uncertain summer

James McAtee’s situation at Manchester City has remained unresolved throughout the summer, his future further clouded when he was omitted from the squad for the Club World Cup. That decision, coupled with the growing competition for places at the Etihad, has increased the likelihood of a permanent exit before the transfer window closes.

City’s decision to exclude McAtee from that tournament has not gone unnoticed by clubs monitoring his progress, and Nottingham Forest appear ready to take advantage. Sources close to the deal indicate Forest are making significant strides towards securing his signature.

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Forest seeking attacking depth

Forest, who secured European football last season, have already been active in reshaping their forward line. The departure of Anthony Elanga to Newcastle United created a gap, partially addressed with the arrival of Dan Ndoye. Yet Nuno Espírito Santo remains keen to bolster his options in advanced areas, conscious of the demands of a Premier League and Europa League campaign running side by side.

McAtee’s profile fits the brief: creative, technically adept, and comfortable in multiple attacking roles. While primarily deployed as an attacking midfielder, the 21-year-old is equally capable operating from the right, offering tactical flexibility that could prove valuable in a congested fixture calendar.

Progress in negotiations

Negotiations between Forest and City are understood to be progressing positively, with a fee expected to exceed £20 million. Both sides are confident an agreement can be reached, though the timeline for completion is tight given Forest’s opening league fixture against Brentford this weekend.

Forest’s hierarchy see McAtee as a player who can contribute immediately while also holding long-term value. His previous experience on loan at Sheffield United demonstrated his ability to adapt to the demands of top-flight football, and his development under City’s system adds an extra layer of appeal.

Impact on the new season

Even with Morgan Gibbs-White and Ndoye likely to occupy the starting attacking midfield and right wing berths, McAtee would enhance Forest’s depth in a season where squad rotation will be essential. Competing on multiple fronts will test the resilience of Nuno’s squad, and adding another creative outlet is a calculated move.

Whether McAtee will feature against Brentford remains uncertain, but Forest’s early pursuit signals intent. Following Brentford, the club faces Crystal Palace away and West Ham United at home — fixtures that could set the tone for their season. Securing McAtee before that run would underline their ambition and provide Nuno with another option to unlock stubborn defences.