Manchester City began the 2025/26 Premier League campaign in scintillating fashion with a 4-0 win against Wolves.
The Citizens were electric at Molineux as Erling Haaland bagged himself a brace and Tijjani Reijnders produced a Man of the Match display on his league debut.
After faltering so far behind eventual Premier League champions Liverpool last season, Manchester City needed to hit the ground running immediately this season and have done exactly that.
Pep Guardiola’s summer signings have fitted seamlessly into the side, with James Trafford earning rave reviews after his performance, and Rayan Cherki also getting his name on the scoresheet on his debut.
Rayan Cherki of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester City at Molineux
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However, amid the constant influx of incomings and outgoings at the Etihad, former City player Micah Richards believes the club has let an “incredible talent” slip through their fingers.
Micah Richards raves over “incredible talent” James McAtee
When speaking live on Sky Sports’ matchday coverage on Sunday, Richards believes James McAtee has all the makings to make an immediate impact at Nottingham Forest.
“McAtee is an incredible talent. He’s such a bright spark – able to play in various positions and see the game in a really intelligent way. The way he drifts into half-spaces, the forward passes he looks for, and the composure he brings in the final third all stand out.
“He might not have the raw pace of someone like Elanga, but around the box, his clever touches and cute passes make him a real asset. I think that’s a really strong story for them.”
The 22-year-old was not involved in the matchday squad for Forest’s 3-1 win over Brentford after he completed a £30 million move to the City Ground on Saturday.
Nottingham Forest v Brentford - Premier League
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Nottingham Forest are actively pursuing additions in the final weeks of the summer transfer window as Nuno Espirito Santo prepares to embark on a Europa League campaign this season.
McAtee will have plenty of competition for a starting berth at Forest, but if the Englishman can follow the path paved by another former Manchester City star, Guardiola could be left to rue his decision.
Cole Palmer showed promise at the Etihad despite playing a bit-part role throughout Manchester City’s 2023 treble-winning season.
Of course, Chelsea took a chance on the midfielder, and the rest is history, and now McAtee could look to replicate Palmer’s impact in the Premier League after securing an exit from the Citizens.
McAtee, like Palmer, emphasised his desire for regular first-team football after he opted to represent England Under-21s this summer instead of making himself available for the Club World Cup.
Indeed, no one would have predicted just how influential Palmer would prove to be at Stamford Bridge, and, having gained similar development, Nottingham Forest will hope that McAtee can forge a similar path at the City Ground.