McAtee signs for Nottingham Forest | OneFootball

Academy graduate James McAtee has left Manchester City to sign for Nottingham Forest on a permanent deal.

The move ends an 11-year association with the Club for the 22-year-old attacking midfielder, having first joined our academy at Under-11 level.

He progressed impressively through our youth ranks, culminating in a key role on our way to FA Youth Cup success in 2020, including the opening goal in the final.

The Salford-born talent was afforded his senior City debut in September 2021, coming on as a substitute in a Carabao Cup win over Wycombe Wanderers.

His 28 appearances for the EDS that season earned him the Players’ Player of the Year trophy as we lifted a second of four titles.

He joined Sheffield United on loan in the summer of 2022, once again shining bright as the Blades earned promotion from the Championship.

A return to Bramall Lane followed in 2023/24 for his first taste of regular Premier League action.

McAtee then stepped up into Pep Guardiola’s senior City squad for 2024/25, playing 27 times in total and scoring seven goals.

The standout performance came in the FA Cup third round tie with Salford City as he netted a hat-trick as part of a crushing 8-0 victory.

This summer, McAtee has captained England’s Under-21s at the European Championships.

Now, he will continue his career at Nottingham Forest.

“I would like to thank everyone at Manchester City for all of their support and guidance during my time here,” said McAtee.

“I joined as a boy with a dream of playing at the highest level and I’ve been able to achieve that as part of Pep’s incredible squad.

“It’s been amazing every step of the way – from winning the FA Youth Cup, to making my first team debut and developing from there.

“I leave City with lots of great memories and wishing only the best for everyone involved in my development here.”

WATCH: Thank you, James

“James has been part of City’s story for a long time having progressed through our Academy system from a young age,” added Director of Football Hugo Viana.

“He is a great example of what our Academy is all about – finding local young talent and nurturing them to play at the highest level.

“The amount of players from our Academy not only in our squad but also around the Premier League is testament to that work.

“We all look forward to seeing how his career progresses and saying hello when we next face Nottingham Forest.”

Everyone at Manchester City would like to wish James the very best of luck for the future.