Manchester City have named their Club World Cup squad with youngster James McAtee overlooked in a move that could lead to his exit with Manchester United among those keen
James McAtee has been overlooked for this summer's tournament as doubt swirls over his future
James McAtee has been overlooked for this summer's tournament as doubt swirls over his future
Manchester City have opted against including James McAtee in their squad for the Club World Cup as their neighbours Manchester United continue to circle. The snub could prove telling as the academy graduate weighs up his future.
City will jet halfway across the world to play in the tournament but won't go with McAtee, who instead has been added to England’s pre-tournament training squad ahead of the U21s Euros in Slovakia.
McAtee has enjoyed moments in a City shirt, but is still very much establishing himself. He scored an FA Cup hat-trick several months ago and has also contributed in the Premier League, but won't get the chance to rub shoulders with the squad's senior stars at the FIFA tournament.
As a result potential suitors are beginning to circle and one of those is the Red Devils. Selling direct to the Old Trafford outfit would prove a hugely controversial move, especially as McAtee is tipped to have a bright future.
The Daily Mail reports that Guardiola's decision to overlook him could spell the end of his time on the blue side of Manchester. The Catalan has been honest about the state of affairs and whilst he wants to keep the 22-year-old, he would understand his desire to play regularly.
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He said in April: “For the age, I’d like him to stay. But I understand players want more minutes. He can play different positions but I don’t know how the squad will be and we will see.”
Another factor at play is that McAtee’s contract expires in 2026 - leaving the City hierarchy to either hand him a new deal or cash in before he becomes a free agent. The academy graduate has excelled on loan in the Championship previously, but would command a higher move were he to head away from the Etihad.
Pep Guardiola has been open about the chances of the midfielder leaving
Pep Guardiola has been open about the chances of the midfielder leaving
McAtee himself is keen on a move to the Bundesliga, where he's been linked with the likes of Bayer Leverkusen. He's seen first-hand how young English players have thrived in the Germany environment with Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham among them.
Letting McAtee leave would represent a risk for Guardiola, who has copped criticism for allowing City's academy products to leave before giving them a proper shot. Several of them have gone on to excel elsewhere, Morgan Rogers among them.
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