If a recent report from SunSport is believed to be true, West Ham United have identified the Manchester City outcast James McAtee as a potential replacement for Lucas Paqueta. The Brazilian has struggled under Julen Lopetegui, also his future remains up in the air amid interest from Botafogo back home.
The 22-year-old Englishman progressed through the esteemed ranks of the SkyBlues before breaking into their senior side in September 2021. He featured six times during the 2021-22 season across competitions and a loan move to Sheffield United in the Championship helped him flourish his game with regular gametime. McAtee was crucial to their Premier League promotion and the Blades decided to bring him back on another loan for the 2023-24 campaign.
Although he grabbed enough top-flight minutes, the South Yorkshire side failed miserably in terms of retaining their Premier League status. The youngster returned to his boyhood club but has settled for a bit-part role with just one substitute league appearance so far. He scored his first City goal in the UEFA Champions League against Slovan Bratislava, however, their early exit from the League Cup has further minimized his playing time under Pep Guardiola.
Why West Ham United Must Make The Move
Dubbed ‘Salford Silva’ for his skills and similarities with club legend David Silva, McAtee has exhibited his mastery from the right as an inverted winger. Also, he has shown his expertise as a ‘number 10’ – a role that suits his style of play. However, he does not belong to Guardiola’s immediate first-team plans, and the lack of minutes could prevent him from reaching the destined heights.
Paqueta, a regular for both his club and the country, is going through turmoil both on and off the pitch. While he has hardly made an impact as an attacking playmaker, the charges of breaking English football’s betting rules might jeopardize his career. The 27-year-old Selecao star might face a 10-year ban if proven guilty and the Hammers, therefore, must line up an able and long-term alternative anticipating the worst outcome post-hearing in March.
West Ham won’t struggle in terms of affordability knowing McAtee would cost them around £20m. City should not stand in his way if a January offer meets their expectations and the player, too, must welcome the opportunity of a fresh start in East London. While he needs to work on his ball-holding attribute and physical presence in and around the attacking third, the pace, flair and dribbling traits he offers would boost the Irons’ creative spark.
Meanwhile, Cole Palmer’s move to Chelsea has been a big blow for the champions of England. McAtee has a very high ceiling and the Citizens thus must be sensing a ‘déjà vu’ in the wake of the transfer rumour.
