Nottingham Forest and England U21 midfielder James McAtee has shed light on his journey from Manchester City to Nottingham Forest, revealing the emotional and professional challenges behind his £30 million move this summer.The 23-year-old Salford-born midfielder struggled to break into Pep Guardiola’s star-studded Manchester City side last season, despite showing promise during loan spells at Sheffield United. McAtee admitted that he had hoped to secure a permanent place in City’s senior squad after returning from loan, but circumstances didn’t align in his favor.
City’s Tough Season and McAtee’s Turning Point
Manchester City endured one of their most difficult campaigns under Pep Guardiola last term. The Blues failed to mount a serious Premier League title challenge, were knocked out in the Champions League Round of 16, and lost the 2025 FA Cup final to Crystal Palace.
As City’s midfield lacked energy and creativity, Guardiola continued to trust his experienced players — leaving limited opportunities for academy graduates like McAtee. By January, the young midfielder began considering a move away in search of regular football.
Although McAtee eventually earned a few starting opportunities and impressed towards the end of the season, it wasn’t enough to convince Manchester City that he had a long-term future at the Etihad Stadium.
McAtee Reflects on His Exit
In an interview with FourFourTwo, McAtee spoke candidly about the decision to leave his boyhood club and why it felt like the right time to move on.
“I kind of knew it when I had to make the choice to go to the (U21) Euros,” McAtee said. “I’m getting older now — it was time to play and get my name out there. Leaving my childhood club was tough, but I think both Pep and I knew it was the right thing to do. In the end, it wasn’t a hard decision because most people knew it was the right one.”
Interest From Abroad
Before his eventual move to Nottingham Forest, McAtee was linked with several European clubs, including Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen. Reports suggested that both clubs held preliminary talks with the midfielder’s representatives about a potential transfer.
“Some of the clubs mentioned were just social media talk,” McAtee admitted. “I only heard of a few real options, but Germany was definitely one. I went out there and it was impressive — but my heart wanted to stay in the Premier League and prove myself here in England.”
Looking Ahead
McAtee is now a key figure for Nottingham Forest, who are undergoing a period of transition following the sacking of Ange Postecoglou and the appointment of Sean Dyche in October. The midfielder will soon face his former club, Manchester City, when Forest meet the reigning champions in December — a fixture that promises to be both emotional and competitive.
FAQ
Q: Why did James McAtee leave Manchester City?
A: McAtee left in search of regular first-team football after struggling for playing time under Pep Guardiola.
Q: How much did Nottingham Forest pay for McAtee?
A: Forest signed McAtee from Manchester City for a reported fee of £30 million during the summer transfer window.
Q: Which clubs were interested in McAtee before his move?
A: Bundesliga sides Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen were reportedly interested, but McAtee chose to remain in the Premier League.
Q: What did Pep Guardiola think about McAtee’s exit?
A: Guardiola reportedly respected McAtee’s decision, acknowledging that it was the right time for the young midfielder to pursue a new challenge.
Q: When will McAtee face Manchester City next?
A: McAtee is expected to play against his former club in December, when Nottingham Forest meet City in the Premier League.
Conclusion
James McAtee’s move from Manchester City to Nottingham Forest marks the beginning of a new chapter in his career. While leaving his boyhood club was never going to be easy, the young midfielder’s desire for consistent playing time and personal growth made the decision inevitable. With Forest under new management and McAtee eager to prove himself, the coming months could define the next phase of his promising football journey.
