(Credit: Imago)

Tottenham handed boost to seal James McAtee transfer

Pranav is a sports journalist who graduated from St. Mary’s University, London, with a Distinction in Sports Journalism (MA). He has over six years of experience working inside newsrooms and has been writing about football since the age of 15. Long-form tactical articles and investigative pieces hold a special place in his heart.

Published on:

30 May 2025, 12:00 pm

Tottenham, Nottingham Forest and Leeds United are among the clubs keen on signing Manchester City midfielder James McAtee.

The 22-year-old has shown glimpses of his brilliance at City but game time has been erratic under Pep Guardiola.

Spurs, having qualified for the Champions League by beating Manchester United, are eyeing reinforcements this summer.

Daniel Levy is prepared for a big summer at Tottenham. (Credit: Imago)

McAtee appears to be on verge of Man City exit

Tottenham appear to be handed a boost in their quest to sign McAtee this summer.

England have added the 22-year-old to their Under-21s squad pre Euro training squad with the tournament set to begin in June.

Manchester City have chosen not to include the Englishman in their Club World Cup squad, even though they have preference over the Three Lions.

James McAtee’s 2024/25 Premier League statistics	Total
Appearances (starts)	15 (3)
Goals	3
Expected goals (xG)	2.80
Touches	11.6
Big chances created	2
Accurate passes	6.5 (84%)

McAtee has had limited playing time (Sofascore)

According to Sky Sports' Jack Gaughan, this means that he's set to leave this summer, giving the sides who want to sign him a major boost.

Give Me Sport claim that Spurs have been given the green signal to sign the 22-year-old from Manchester City.

It’s understood that the North London outfit will have to pay £25million in order to secure his services.

Via X, Gaughan wrote: "James McAtee has been added to the Under 21s' pre-Euro training squad so not going to the Club World Cup. Probably signals the end of his time at Man City."

James McAtee has been added to the Under 21s' pre-Euro training squad so not going to the Club World Cup. Probably signals the end of his time at Man City.
— Jack Gaughan (@Jack_Gaughan) May 30, 2025

Tottenham can beat the competition to sign McAtee

Tottenham can outmanoeuvre Leeds United and Nottingham Forest to sign McAtee by capitalising on their stature as a big-six Premier League club and the allure of Champions League football.

The 22-year-old would be enticed by Spurs’ global brand and regular European competition, offering a bigger stage than Leeds or Forest can provide.

Under Ange Postecoglou, or whoever the manager is, McAtee’s flair as a No. 10 or winger fits the high-pressing system.

Spurs’ financial muscle allows them to meet City’s £20million asking price, outbidding rivals, and secure McAtee as a long-term asset.

It remains to be seen whether or not an official bid follows.

James McAtee