James McAtee, Man City, Pep Guardiola
(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media, Imago)
Mick Brown
Tue 1 July 2025 7:00, UK
Man City star James McAtee is set to snub English clubs including Nottingham Forest in favour of a move to Germany this summer.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 22-year-old feels a move to the Bundesliga is the best step for his career.
The likes of Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen have been keeping tabs on his progress and are now prepared to make moves.
Brown told Football Insider that, alongside a number of top clubs, Nottingham Forest sent scouts to watch McAtee at the Under-21s European Championships.
The forward played a key role as captain as Lee Carsley’s side lifted the trophy after a 3-2 win against Germany, and will now turn his attentions towards his long-term future.
Crystal Palace, West Ham and Bayer Leverkusen all targeted McAtee in January, among other clubs, but were unable to agree a deal for his signature.
James McAtee England
James McAtee looks set to leave Man City. (Credit: Imago)
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James McAtee set to join German clubs after Man City exit
Brown told Football Insider that McAtee will not be a Man City player at the start of next season and is not in Pep Guardiola’s plans for the future.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted the likes of Dortmund, Leipzig, Leverkusen, West Ham and Forest are all interested.
“*I’m told his preference is to move to Germany,*” he told Football Insider.
“With teams like Dortmund, Leipzig and Leverkusen looking at him, a move to the Bundesliga might be the best move for his career.
“He can step away from the spotlight in England and go to a league which, with all due respect, is played at a lower intensity with less pressure.
“Clubs had scouts watching him with England’s Under-21s at the Euros.
“I was delighted with that victory, beating Germany in extra time at a major tournament is not something that happens every day, so the players deserve their plaudits.
“But McAtee is now going to have to make a decision about his future.
“There is, of course, interest from English clubs including the likes of Nottingham Forest, West Ham, Crystal Palace and others of that level.
“But he thinks at this stage of his career, a move to Germany is his best option.
“He’s going to leave Man City one way or another, so let’s wait and see.”
Pep Guardiola Man City
Pep Guardiola is set for a busy summer at Man City. (Credit: Imago)
Jack Grealish update emerges amid Newcastle United interest
McAtee is not the only player who looks set to leave the Etihad this summer, amid ongoing speculation surrounding the future of Jack Grealish.
Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle are keeping tabs on Grealish’s situation in case they are given encouragement over the deal.
However, the Magpies will pursue other priority targets before making a move for the England international which could see them miss out as rival interest builds.
This comes after Football Insider exclusively revealed that Grealish favours a move to Everton this summer as he would be promised a regular starting place.
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