Tottenham Hotspur made a late attempt to sign Manchester City’s highly-rated midfielder James McAtee before the January transfer deadline, but the Premier League champions firmly shut the door on any potential exit.
Spurs’ Transfer Push Falls Short
With the arrivals of Mathys Tel, Kevin Danso (both on loan), and young goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, Spurs looked to reinforce further by adding McAtee to their midfield ranks. However, despite their inquiry, City made it clear that the 22-year-old was not available.
TBR Football sources confirm that Spurs were not the only club keen on McAtee. Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig, Mainz, and Stuttgart all tested City’s resolve with £30 million bids. West Ham and Nottingham Forest also showed interest, but Pep Guardiola’s side stood firm.
City See McAtee as a Future Star
The reason behind City’s refusal? A belief that McAtee could follow in the footsteps of Cole Palmer, who left for Chelsea last summer and has since thrived. Guardiola values McAtee’s potential, both publicly and privately, and sees him as a long-term asset.
This stance aligns with City’s approach to young talents. Chelsea’s bid for Nico O’Reilly was also rejected for similar reasons, reinforcing the club’s strategy of retaining top prospects.
Why City Kept McAtee Despite Limited Game Time
While McAtee has struggled for starts—only three across all competitions this season—City’s reluctance to sell stems from their ongoing injury issues. Losing such a talented player mid-season was deemed too risky, even with interest from multiple clubs.
Spurs’ Missed Opportunity?
Ange Postecoglou reportedly wanted a versatile attacking option, and McAtee fit the profile. The young midfielder excelled as a right-winger during his Sheffield United loan spell and has even played as a false nine for City.
With Dominic Solanke injured, Postecoglou might have hoped to use McAtee in a similar role, but City’s stance means Spurs must look elsewhere.
What’s Next for McAtee?
Despite limited starts, McAtee has shown glimpses of his quality, scoring five goals this season. If City continue to restrict his game time, another wave of interest is likely in the summer. Until then, Guardiola’s faith in McAtee remains unshaken.
Author
