With Manchester City naming 27 players in their squad for the FIFA Club World Cup despite Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker, James McAtee and Mateo Kovacic missing the tournament shows how bloated their squad is.
Pep Guardiola quipped he would leave Manchester City but the Catalan tactician seemed serious when he emphasised that the size of their squad must be reduced.
Otherwise, Guardiola would have the uneasy task of leaving established first-team players out of his matchday squad in every game, an act that could disrupt the harmony of City’s squad.
None of Manchester City’s players wish to leave, which makes it all the more difficult for them to trim their squad.
James McAtee celebrates with Erling Haaland during Manchester City's win against Tottenham Hotspur
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Cole Palmer could decide Man City’s valuation of James McAtee
However, it seems like James McAtee could be on his way out of the Etihad Stadium this summer. There is plenty of interest among Premier League clubs in the Salford-born midfielder, with Everton boss David Moyes personally eyeing McAtee.
Even Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest have shortlisted McAtee as one of their transfer targets this summer.
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Journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that if the 22-year-old informs Manchester City about his desire to leave the club, the Sky Blues will base his valuation based on the fact that he has played more games than Cole Palmer when he signed for Chelsea.
James McAtee could leave Manchester City, especially if he asks Pep Guardiola for a move.
As with Cole Palmer, #MCFC will be understanding if McAtee tells them he wants a new challenge even though he remains valued at the club.
McAtee has played more games for the first team… pic.twitter.com/CVSKYlwYLw
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 9, 2025
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If McAtee tells Pep Guardiola he wishes to depart his boyhood club, there is a strong possibility he plays his football elsewhere next season.
Much like in Palmer’s case, Manchester City are expected to be “understanding” if the English Under-21 captain expresses his desire for a fresh start at another club.
James McAtee’s ‘likely’ next transfer
Considering Pep Guardiola’s side banked £40 million (Sky Sports) from the Chelsea midfielder’s move to Stamford Bridge, they could be set to rake in yet another sizable fee for a gem from their academy.
Manchester City News exclusively revealed that the Bundesliga is McAtee’s most likely next move, with RB Leipzig and Stuttgart particularly keen to secure his services.
The player believes that much like his former teammates, Palmer and Liam Delap, it is time for him to play regular football.