In a recent report, journalist Graeme Bailey offered an update on the future of Manchester City midfielder James McAtee. It has been claimed that the Mancunian club are planning to keep hold of the English talent beyond this summer.
McAtee’s Impressive Loan Spell At Bramall Lane Last Season
McAtee had a solid loan spell at Sheffield United as he managed to put in a run of influential displays for them at the centre of the park. The 21-year-old scored five times and picked up four assists in 33 matches for the Blades last season across multiple competitions.
The English sensation was a solid performer at the centre of the park based on his average of 1.1 tackles, 0.9 shots, 0.9 key passes and 1.1 dribbles per game in Premier League football. However, he lacked quality when distributing the ball from midfield after completing 72% of his attempted passes in the English first division (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at his parent club Manchester City will run out in the summer of 2026. Thus, there is no immediate need for Pep Guardiola to cash in on McAtee this summer.
Should Manchester City Boss Pep Guardiola Keep Hold Of McAtee Beyond This Summer?
McAtee is a decent tackler of the ball and can make life tough for the opposition in the middle of the park. He can shoot the ball with power from long range and has got the eye to play a few decisive passes in the final third.
The English talent can even make a few driving runs with the ball from midfield. However, he has to find a way to improve his ball distribution in the opponent’s half. At 21, McAtee has got a bright future ahead of him in English football. Thus, it makes sense for Man City head coach Pep Guardiola to keep hold of him beyond this summer as he has got the ceiling to be a future starter at the Etihad Stadium.
However, McAtee is still quite raw and would need time before he is ready to nail down a regular spot in Guardiola’s first XI in the coming seasons. Still, Man City would be wise to retain his services for at least the duration of his contract.
