Man City starlet wanted by Forest amid contract and game time doubts | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest Circle as James McAtee Future Remains Uncertain

Forest Monitoring Situation Ahead of Summer Move

Nottingham Forest are keeping a close watch on Manchester City midfielder James McAtee, as the England Under-21 international considers his next steps ahead of a crucial summer. According to The Telegraph, McAtee is entering the final year of his contract and is prioritising regular first-team football—something he’s been starved of under Pep Guardiola.

Photo: IMAGO

Despite starting in City’s recent 2-1 win over Aston Villa, it was just McAtee’s second Premier League start of the season. While his technical ability is unquestioned, his role in a star-studded midfield remains marginal.

Transfer Tug-of-War Building

McAtee was the subject of a loan-to-buy bid from Bayer Leverkusen in January, who offered a potential £25 million deal. City declined, but with the Bundesliga side still interested and Forest long-term admirers, competition is heating up. Should Morgan Gibbs-White depart the City Ground this summer, Forest’s interest could quickly become concrete.

Photo IMAGO

International Dilemma Adds to Uncertainty

McAtee’s summer is further complicated by the scheduling clash between the European Under-21 Championships and City’s involvement in the Club World Cup. Whether he joins the England squad or travels with City remains unclear, but it adds another wrinkle to a defining few months.

Photo: IMAGO

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This is exactly the type of move Forest should be targeting. James McAtee isn’t just a talented youngster—he’s been groomed in one of Europe’s most elite football environments. His decision-making, movement and ability to carry the ball through the midfield lines are perfect for a team like Forest looking to evolve.

If Gibbs-White does move on—and let’s face it, there’s always noise around him—McAtee would be a high-upside replacement with scope to develop into a top Premier League player. He’d bring youth, energy and a touch of class to Nuno’s midfield, and crucially, he’d likely be hungry to prove himself after sitting on the fringes at City.

The only question is: can Forest act decisively? If there’s even a whisper that he’s available for a reasonable fee, this is the kind of statement signing that signals ambition. Whether it’s Europe or survival on the line, McAtee feels like the right profile at the right moment.