Nottingham Forest have made a breakthrough in their efforts to bring Manchester City playmaker James McAtee to the City Ground, according to reports. McAtee, who is 23 in October, has played 34 games for City and scored seven goals but will be allowed to leave in order to gain more regular football.
The attacker, spent two seasons between 2022 and 2024 at Sheffield United on a loan basis, where he shone in both the Championship and the Premier League, before returning to the Etihad Stadium last summer, but he made only 15 league appearances in the face of intense competition for places.
Forest have had a liking for McAtee for some time and were hopeful of concluding a deal to bring the player to the East Midlands and, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, that is now the case.
Forest and McAtee have agreed personal terms and, despite interest and enquiries from other clubs, the player in question made it clear Forest were his preferred destination. It's anticipated, adds Romano, that confirmation of the deal will follow in due course. Forest are confident of striking a deal worth in the region of £20m.
It's news that comes on the day that it has been confirmed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport that Forest will play in the Europa League next season at the expense of Crystal Palace, who were found to have breached UEFA's multi-club ownership rules. McAtee will follow the likes of Igor Jesus and Dan Ndoye into the Reds' dressing room this summer.
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It promises to be an exciting season ahead for Nottingham Forest.
The 2024/25 campaign proved to be a special one for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. But it could get even better for the Reds this time around.
European football will be coming to the City Ground for the first time in three decades. It will be a whole new continental adventure for Forest, and they will be eager to give it a good go.
It all means there is a lot to look forward to this coming season. With that in mind, we have produced our Nottingham Forest 2025/26 Kick-Off special, our brilliant guide to the new season.
Our reporter Sarah Clapson will waltz you through what to expect from the Reds this coming season, turn the spotlight on Nuno, run the rule over one of Forest’s key men and take a look at the club’s transfer business. Our club-by-club guide will give you the lowdown on Forest’s Premier League rivals, while you will also be able to test your knowledge with our Premier League quiz.
We will also take a look at the summer’s biggest signings in the division, check out each ground and study the managers - new and old. With a full fixture list, Nottingham Forest 2025/26 Kick-Off will get you in perfect match shape in time for the Reds’ opening day curtain-raiser at home to Brentford on August 17.
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