Manchester City are set to jet off to the Club World Cup this month but James McAtee will not be part of the squad after being overlooked by Pep Guardiola, with Man Utd are reportedly waiting in the wings
16:12, 02 Jun 2025
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 22: James McAtee of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Aston Villa FC at Etihad Stadium on April 22, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
James McAtee could leave Manchester City this summer(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
Manchester City have decided to leave James McAtee out of their Club World Cup squad, amidst growing interest from cross-town rivals Manchester United.
The attacking midfielder won't join City in jetting off to America, as he instead has been added to England’s pre-tournament training squad ahead of the U21s Euros in Slovakia.
The talented academy product has shown flashes of brilliance in a Sky Blue shirt, memorably scoring an FA Cup hat-trick. But has seen very limited first-team involvement since returning from a starring loan at Sheffield United. McAtee will now miss the opportunity to join Pep Guardiola's stars in the FIFA competition.
Amid his absence from the Club World Cup, Manchester United are reportedly keen to swoop in for the 22-year-old. Such a move would no doubt prove a controversial move, especially with McAtee held in high regard at the Etihad.
As the 22 year old seeks more consistent playing time, the Daily Mail reports that his omission may signal the beginning of the end of his tenure with City.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 12: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, gives instructions to James McAtee during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Crystal Palace FC at Etihad Stadium on April 12, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
McAtee has seen limited game time under Pep Guardiola(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
Article continues below
Guardiola has acknowledged McAtee's restricted game time and his desire to play regularly. He said back 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 consideration is that McAtee's contract with City runs out in 2026, leaving the club's bosses with a decision to either offer him a new deal or sell him before he becomes a free agent.
Article continues below
Don't miss a thing with football updates!
Want to be on the ball with all of the latest football news? Well then sign up for the brilliant Daily Star Football email newsletter!
From the latest transfer news to breaking stories, get it all in your email inbox.
How do you sign up?
It only takes a matter of seconds.
Simply click on this link, then provide your email address and that's it, job done. You'll receive an email with all of the top football stories.
You can also sign up for our sport email, Off the Ball, for all the latest darts, boxing, snooker, F1 stories and more, right here
McAtee himself is reportedly keen on a move to the Bundesliga, having been linked with clubs such as Bayer Leverkusen. He's seen how young English talents like Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham have flourished in Germany.
Allowing McAtee to depart would be a gamble for Guardiola, who has faced criticism for letting academy players leave without giving them a fair chance. Several of these players, including Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, have gone on to make their mark elsewhere.