Manchester United’s new era under INEOS has placed a strong emphasis on youth-driven recruitment.
Rather than splashing out on players at their peak with limited upside, United’s focus is on identifying high-ceiling prospects who can define the future of the club.
One example that has recently come into general focus is Cole Palmer.
Once a Manchester City academy gem, who left the Etihad for Chelsea in 2023 and has since exploded into one of the most influential attacking midfielders in the Premier League.
Now, another Manchester City starlet could be heading for the exit door.
James McAtee situation monitored by Manchester United
22-year-old James McAtee is emerging as a hot target for clubs across Europe.
McAtee, who is entering the final year of his contract, is being watched closely by Manchester United, Newcastle, and AC Milan.
According to The Telegraph, Nottingham Forest and Bayer Leverkusen are the two most serious contenders right now.
Especially if either Morgan Gibbs-White or Florian Wirtz leave their clubs.
City are considering moves for both Gibbs-White and Wirtz as potential replacements for Kevin De Bruyne.
The Belgian is set to leave this summer.
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However, it’s unlikely Pep Guardiola would sanction the arrival of both.
Therefore, raising eyebrows with McAtee’s position in the squad from next season.
He was handed a rare start in City’s 2-1 win over Aston Villa on Tuesday night.
However, it was only his second Premier League start of the season.
Thus showing the limited trust placed in him by Guardiola.
As per the report, Leverkusen reportedly made a January approach to take McAtee on loan with a £25 million purchase clause.
However City rejected the move.
Still, The Telegraph states that Leverkusen remain keen admirers.
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McAtee is waiting on confirmation regarding his eligibility for the European Under-21 Championships this summer.
Competition which may clash with City’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign in the U.S.
With United closely monitoring his situation, McAtee could become the latest in a growing list of promising academy graduates to leave City for good.
And given Palmer’s rise to stardom, any decision to part ways with McAtee would once again raise serious questions over Manchester City’s judgement in handling their young talents.
Moreso, if City let McAtee join Ruben Amorim’s United.
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