James McAtee Transfer Fee Set at £25m for Forest

James McAtee transfer talk has accelerated after Manchester City informed suitors, including Nottingham Forest, that the creative midfielder will cost around £25 million this summer. The Premier League champions are open to letting their academy graduate leave permanently, provided their valuation is met, and that stance has sparked a scramble across Europe.

Why the James McAtee transfer appeals to Nottingham Forest

Forest’s hierarchy believe the 21-year-old can become the heartbeat of Steve Cooper’s evolving side. McAtee’s dazzling loan spell at Sheffield United last season—nine goals, four assists and promotion—proved he can thrive in a physically demanding league while still offering flair in tight spaces. With Morgan Gibbs-White already pulling strings at the City Ground, adding McAtee would give Forest a double dose of ingenuity behind the strikers.

Manchester City’s stance on a permanent sale

Pep Guardiola values McAtee highly but recognises the youngster needs regular minutes to progress. City therefore prefer a straight sale with a hefty buy-back clause, mirroring deals for the likes of Romeo Lavia and Pedro Porro. Sources close to the club insist £25 million is non-negotiable; interested teams must accept City’s option to repurchase within the next three seasons.

Competition from Serie A and Bundesliga clubs

Forest are not alone. Juventus and Atalanta have both asked to be kept informed, while Bayer Leverkusen view McAtee as a potential Florian Wirtz replacement should bids arrive for the German star. City would rather sell domestically to monitor development closely, yet Italy’s willingness to agree generous resale terms cannot be dismissed.

How McAtee fits Forest’s tactical blueprint

Cooper’s 3-4-2-1 relies on fluid movement between the half-spaces. McAtee’s tendency to drift, receive on the half-turn and slip through-balls could unlock Taiwo Awoniyi’s pace in behind. His left-footed set-piece delivery would also diversify Forest’s dead-ball routines, an area where they scored just six goals last term.

Financial fair play considerations

Forest spent heavily after promotion and still flirt with Profit & Sustainability limits. A £25 million outlay must be part-funded by departures—Brennan Johnson, Emmanuel Dennis and Orel Mangala are attracting bids that could finance the James McAtee transfer without breaching regulations. City, for their part, would bank pure profit, strengthening their own FFP position for future marquee signings.

What McAtee himself wants

The Salford-born maestro is said to prioritise game time over European football. He remains grateful to City but craves a platform to push for England honours. Friends claim he watched Forest matches during United’s loan break last season, impressed by the City Ground atmosphere and Cooper’s faith in youth.

Potential timeline for completion

Both clubs hope to resolve matters before mid-July. Forest travel to Spain for pre-season and want McAtee integrated early, while City wish to finalise outgoings before their US tour. Agents anticipate swift movement once initial sales unlock Forest’s budget.

Statistical snapshot

• 34 Championship appearances in 2022-23
• 1.9 key passes per 90 minutes
• 87 % pass completion in the final third
• 2.3 successful dribbles per 90

These numbers underline why the James McAtee transfer is seen as low-risk, high-upside business.

Opinion: Perfect timing for all parties

Allowing academy products to leave can sting, yet City’s buy-back safety net limits regret. Forest, meanwhile, rarely get the chance to sign elite talent entering his prime development window. Should they meet the fee and hand him the No.10 shirt, McAtee could prove the difference between another relegation fight and a comfortable mid-table finish. For the player, it’s a stage large enough to shine, yet not so bright that mistakes end careers. In short, this feels like the right move at the right time.