West Ham United are lining up an exciting transfer swoop for Manchester City midfielder James McAtee.
The ex-England youth international enjoyed a strong loan stint with Sheffield United over the last two years, scoring 14 goals and providing eight assists in 75 appearances. The 22-year-old returned to Manchester City in the summer but has struggled to break into Pep Guardiola’s first XI, thanks to high competition.
James McAtee has managed only one Premier League minute thus far this season. The creative midfielder’s lack of opportunities at Man City has reportedly put West Ham United and Fulham on red alert. The London duo are tracking the City talent, who is keen to play regularly at a high level to continue his development.
The Sky Blues would be open to selling McAtee as it helps their position with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). They may demand a fee in the region of £20million for their gifted academy kid.
West Ham keen on James McAtee
West Ham invested millions in the summer transfer window to back new manager Julen Lopetegui, who replaced David Moyes before the 2024/25 season started. However, things haven’t gone according to the plan for Lopetegui as West Ham have registered only three Premier League wins from 11 fixtures.
This has jeopardised the Spaniard’s position at the London Stadium, although the Hammers have not stopped planning for the winter transfer window. They are looking to trim their wage bill and are ready to offload Lucas Paqueta, who has royally struggled for form since being charged with a breach of the Football Association’s betting regulations.
By selling Paqueta, West Ham perhaps want to replace the Brazilian with the young McAtee in January. A creative midfielder by trade, McAtee can also operate out wide and he will add dynamism, invention, assists and goals to the Irons’ side struggling at the moment.
Lopetegui’s side certainly need more quality and cutting edge in the final third, something the Englishman could provide. He will get more opportunities to continue his development and prove himself in a West Ham shirt, unlike at City under Pep Guardiola.
McAtee is a talented footballer with a high ceiling, and considering that, the East London club must be all over his signature when the transfer window reopens on January 1.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
