Bundesliga goes empty-handed: McAtee moves within the Premier League
Several Bundesliga clubs were after the captain of the English U-21 European champions, but James McAtee (22) has decided to move within the Premier League to Nottingham Forest.
New assignment on the island: James McAtee. IMAGO/Every Second Media
It felt like "half" the Bundesliga was after James McAtee this summer. Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Eintracht Frankfurt, VfB Stuttgart, and Bayer 04 Leverkusen were rumored to be at least loosely interested. An agreement had already been reached with the Werkself last January, but Manchester City blocked the transfer to Leverkusen. Since Saturday evening, it has been finally confirmed that Germany's top flight will come away empty-handed with the captain of the reigning U21 European champions .
Instead, McAtee is moving within the Premier League, leaving City for Nottingham Forest. Reportedly, the base fee is around €23 million, which could increase further with various bonuses. Forest had been considering the player for some time this summer, but their initial offer was rejected.
Now, however, Nottingham has been awarded the contract and has given McAtee a five-year contract until June 30, 2030. This summer, Forest had already secured top-class reinforcements for its attack: right winger Dan Ndoye (24) is coming for a reported €40 million, while Botafogo striker Igor Jesus (24) cost around €20 million.
McAtee is also an investment in the future of the club, which finished seventh in the Premier League last season. The summer signing can look forward to the Europa League; league rivals Crystal Palace will have to compete in the Conference League playoffs instead .
A central role like in Sheffield?McAtee, whose contract with Manchester City only runs until 2026, is likely to receive significantly more playing time at Forest than he has recently. The midfielder, who trained with the Sky Blues, made 18 appearances in three Premier League seasons for City (15 of which in 2024/25), and 30 in his loan campaign at Sheffield United (2023/24).
The probability that McAtee will extend his personal scoring record in the Premier League (currently six goals and three assists) in the coming season is also relatively high.
