Nottingham Forest announced, on August 16, 2025, the signing of 22-year-old attacking midfielder James McAtee from Manchester City in a transfer valued at £30 million, approximately £220 million. The deal, which includes buyback and sell-on clauses, marks the departure of one of the City academy’s biggest prospects after 12 years at the club. The move aims to secure more playing time for the player in the 2025/26 season, as Forest prepares to compete in the Premier League and Europa League. The transfer reflects the club’s strategy to invest in young talents with experience in England’s top flight, while Manchester City restructures its squad after significant departures. McAtee, a standout in the U-21 Euros, arrives as a high-impact reinforcement.
The transfer was finalized after weeks of negotiations, with Nottingham Forest outbidding rivals like Bundesliga clubs and Tottenham. McAtee signed a five-year contract, showing confidence in the club’s ambitious project as they return to European competition after decades. The versatile midfielder is expected to play as a number 8 or 10, filling gaps in the midfield left by recent exits.
- Key transfer details:
- Value: £30 million (£220 million), with buyback and sell-on clauses.
- Contract: Five years, until 2030.
- Competition: Outbid German and English clubs, including Eintracht Frankfurt.
- Goal: Secure more minutes and prominence in the Premier League.
The move underscores Nottingham Forest’s ambition to solidify their position in the English top tier and make a mark in the Europa League, a competition they earned after a favorable ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
McAtee’s journey at Manchester City
James McAtee joined Manchester City’s academy at age 11, quickly emerging as one of their top prospects. In 2020, he was pivotal in winning the FA Youth Cup, scoring in the final. His first-team debut came in 2021 during a Carabao Cup match against Wycombe Wanderers. In the 2024/25 season, he played 27 games, scoring seven goals, including a hat-trick in an 8-0 FA Cup rout of Salford City. Despite his performances, McAtee started only three Premier League matches, prompting his search for more opportunities.
His two loan spells at Sheffield United between 2022 and 2024 were crucial for his development. In his first season, he helped secure promotion to the Premier League. In 2023/24, he scored five goals and provided four assists in 30 games, despite the team’s relegation. His ability to play as an attacking midfielder, winger, or in deeper roles drew attention from European clubs.
Nottingham Forest’s strategy
McAtee’s arrival is part of a squad overhaul at Nottingham Forest under manager Nuno Espírito Santo. After a solid 2024/25 season, the club is reinforcing for the Premier League and Europa League. Alongside McAtee, Forest signed Omari Hutchinson from Ipswich in a club-record deal. Other additions, like striker Igor Jesus and winger Dan Ndoye, further strengthen the squad.
- Nottingham Forest’s focus for the season:
- Competitiveness in the Premier League, targeting a top-half finish.
- Strong Europa League campaign, their first in decades.
- Signing young talents with resale potential.
- Establishing Nuno Espírito Santo as a long-term manager.
The club is also in talks for players like Douglas Luiz from Juventus and Arnaud Kalimuendo from Rennes, signaling an aggressive transfer window. The sales of Anthony Elanga to Newcastle for £52 million and Ramon Sosa to Palmeiras freed up funds for these moves.
Impact on Manchester City
McAtee’s sale reflects a shift in Manchester City’s approach to their academy talents. With new signings like Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders, the midfield became more competitive, limiting chances for youth players. Pep Guardiola, who publicly regretted not giving McAtee more minutes last season, approved the transfer but ensured clauses to retain future control over the player.
City also lost key players in 2025, including Kevin De Bruyne to Napoli and Kyle Walker to Burnley. Jack Grealish was loaned to Everton. These exits, combined with McAtee’s sale, generated significant revenue, with the midfielder’s transfer being the club’s largest of the summer window so far.
- Manchester City’s recent moves:
- Departures: Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli), Kyle Walker (Burnley), Jack Grealish (loan to Everton).
- Arrivals: Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, and Omar Marmoush.
- Strategy: Rejuvenate the squad and balance finances through youth sales.
Expectations for McAtee at Forest
McAtee joins Nottingham Forest tasked with becoming a central figure in Nuno Espírito Santo’s system. His versatility and technical quality make him an ideal replacement for Morgan Gibbs-White during rotations. Fans expect regular minutes, something he lacked at Manchester City, even with standout performances.
In the U-21 Euros, McAtee was named the final’s best player, scoring a decisive goal in England’s 3-2 win over Germany. His leadership as England’s U-21 captain bolsters his potential for immediate impact at Forest. Supporters hope he brings creativity and goals, particularly in Europa League matches against tough opponents.
Heated transfer market
The 2025 transfer window has been busy for Nottingham Forest, aiming to build a squad for a dual campaign. Beyond McAtee and Hutchinson, signings like Igor Jesus and Dan Ndoye, alongside talks for Douglas Luiz and Arnaud Kalimuendo, highlight their ambition. The Europa League spot, secured after Crystal Palace’s exclusion due to ownership rule violations, has raised the club’s profile, attracting players suited for continental competitions.
- Other Nottingham Forest targets:
- Omari Hutchinson: Club-record signing from Ipswich.
- Douglas Luiz: Talks with Juventus to bolster midfield.
- Arnaud Kalimuendo: Negotiations with Rennes for the French striker.
- Callum Hudson-Odoi: Discussions for a contract extension.
Reactions to the transfer
Nottingham Forest’s board celebrated McAtee’s arrival. Ross Wilson, the club’s chief football officer, praised the player’s technical ability and commitment to Forest’s project. “James is a talent we’ve tracked for a long time. His choice to join us reflects the ambitious project we’re building,” Wilson said.
Fans are excited, with forums and social media buzzing about McAtee’s versatility. Manchester City supporters, while disappointed to lose another academy star, acknowledge the need for him to gain playing time, with optimism about a potential future return.
- Transfer reactions:
- Forest fans: Enthusiasm for a young, versatile player.
- Board: Confidence in McAtee’s immediate impact.
- Manchester City: Support for the player’s decision, with hope for a future return.
Premier League and Europa League outlook
With the 2025/26 season approaching, Nottingham Forest kicks off the Premier League against Brentford on August 17. The Europa League adds pressure but also opportunity for McAtee to shine on European stages. His adaptation will be key in a squad blending youth and experience.
Manchester City faces challenges with injuries to players like Rodri and Phil Foden, making McAtee’s sale significant. The buyback and sell-on clauses ensure City retains influence over his future if he excels at Forest.
- Key Nottingham Forest matches:
- Premier League debut: Against Brentford, August 17, 2025.
- Europa League: First participation in decades, with fixtures to be confirmed.
- Clashes with Manchester City: December 27 (away) and March 4 (home).
