Manchester City have left James McAtee out of their squad for the upcoming Club World Cup, a decision that has intensified speculation over the midfielder's future. The 22-year-old academy graduate has been linked with a move to local rivals Manchester United, who are reportedly monitoring the situation closely.
McAtee, who scored a hat-trick in the FA Cup earlier this season and has featured in the Premier League, will instead join England's Under-21 squad for pre-tournament training ahead of the European Championships in Slovakia. His omission from City's travelling party for the FIFA tournament in the United States has been seen as a significant signal regarding his standing at the club.
Manager Pep Guardiola has acknowledged the delicate nature of McAtee's situation, admitting he would understand if the player sought more regular first-team football elsewhere. “For the age, I’d like him to stay. But I understand players want more minutes,” Guardiola said in April. “He can play different positions but I don’t know how the squad will be and we will see.”
McAtee's contract at the Etihad Stadium runs until 2026, leaving City with a decision to either offer fresh terms or cash in before he becomes a free agent. The player is reportedly keen on a move to the Bundesliga, where he has been linked with Bayer Leverkusen, following the example of English talents like Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham who have thrived in Germany.
Selling McAtee to Manchester United would be a highly controversial move, given the fierce rivalry between the clubs. Guardiola has faced criticism in the past for allowing academy products to leave, with Morgan Rogers among those who have gone on to excel elsewhere.
