Everton are firmly on Manchester City midfielder James McAtee’s radar this summer.
There seems to be high interest in the 22-year-old this window, as Everton are searching for a creative outlet.
It’s something David Moyes has lacked since his return, as although Carlos Alcaraz’s signing is good business, they need a different type of attacking midfielder.
This is where McAtee comes in, with Moyes taking a look at the City youngster this month.
McAtee was left out of City’s Club World Cup, ultimately meaning an exit is certain, and now the 22-year-old has revealed his ideal preference.
Photo by JOE KLAMAR/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by JOE KLAMAR/AFP via Getty Images
James McAtee’s preference revealed as Everton circle Man City star
The Toffees will need players whom they can rely on in the Premier League as they look to shoot up the table.
Moyes will be wanting to build on a positive 13th-place finish, but James Tarkowski is mentioning European football.
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This is seemingly the aim for The Friedkin Group, who look set to invest up to £100m this summer, but only player sales can contribute to building that.
With McAtee valued at £35m, this makes the signing look unlikely, but his preference might have ended Everton’s chances anyway.
Journalist Florian Plettenberg has stated that Stuttgart have added McAtee to their shortlist as an array of clubs from Germany want the Englishman’s signature.
Everton will hope they can convince him to join the Premier League, but McAtee is supposedly ‘very interested’ in the Bundesliga, in a big blow for Moyes.
🚨🆕 VfB Stuttgart have added James #McAtee to their shortlist. They are monitoring his situation closely and have already gathered all the relevant information. #VfB are looking at several profiles for his position.
Eintracht Frankfurt have also made an enquiry, while Bayer 04… pic.twitter.com/OdZ9Woqoh1
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) June 5, 2025
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McAtee is too much of a risk for Everton this summer
As mentioned, the £35m fee that comes with the midfielder is certainly a risk, with a large chunk being taken out of the budget.
This doesn’t mean McAtee isn’t needed for the Toffees, but due to his preference now lying in Germany, it might be for the best in terms of Everton’s window.
Kieran Maguire stated that despite having up to £100m, it could also be as low as £50m.
So, if Moyes wants to make these signings, selling Jarrad Branthwaite for £70m might be the way forward, as there wouldn’t be any chance of Everton convincing McAtee to change his mind.