BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - MAY 08: James McAtee of Sheffield United celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the Sky Bet Championship between Birmingham City and Sheffield United at St Andrews (stadium) on May 08, 2023 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
Manchester City is currently at a crossroads regarding the future of midfielder James McAtee.
Dubbed the ‘Salford Silva’ due to his stylistic resemblance to former City star David Silva, McAtee is keen on building upon his impressive Championship season at Sheffield United. However, his prospects of playing time with City appear limited, as indicated by Sunday’s Community Shield lineup. The Blades have also been linked with Man City’s Cole Palmer, who came on and scored in the game on Sunday.
Sheffield United’s English midfielder James Mcatee reacts after failing to score during the English FA Cup fourth round-replay football match between Sheffield United and Wrexham at Bramall Lane in Sheffield, northern England, on February 7, 2023. – RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Despite City’s reluctance to part ways with the promising midfielder, they are aware of interest from Wolves, Brighton, Celtic, Sociedad (following Silva’s retirement), Southampton, AZ Alkmaar as well as Sheffield United, the Daily Mail understands. Some of these teams are willing to offer a permanent move.
James McAtee had an excellent second part to the season with Sheffield United last term. After initial struggles, he ended the campaign scoring nine goals and five assists to his name. And McAtee has shown this pre-season that he can compete against top sides having scored against Bayern Munich in City’s 2-1 win in a friendly last month.
The vibrant attacking midfielder linked up expertly with Iliman Ndiaye last season, but he is no longer there. And, if he rejoins the club he may not play with Sander Berge, as he closes in on a move to Burnley. That being said, Berge’s transfer could open squad space and capital to permanently add Tommy Doyle to the ranks.
