Report: Tottenham make move to sign ‘special’ Premier League No.10, his club now open to sale
Tottenham Hotspur have intensified their efforts to secure the signature of Manchester City’s highly-rated midfielder James McAtee, according to reports from journalist Sebastien Vidal.
The North London club appears determined to win the race for the 21-year-old English talent, who finds himself at a career crossroads after struggling to establish himself in Pep Guardiola’s star-studded squad this season.
McAtee’s potential availability has sparked a feeding frenzy among Premier League clubs, with Tottenham reportedly leading a pack of admirers that includes Newcastle, Brighton, Everton, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, and Nottingham Forest.
The young playmaker’s impressive technical ability and eye for goal have also attracted interest from Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, setting the stage for a potential summer bidding war.
Despite making just nine starts across all competitions (including only three in the Premier League), McAtee has demonstrated his quality when given opportunities.
The England U21 international has contributed seven goals in just 27 appearances – a remarkable return considering his limited 1,000 minutes of action.
His performances in City’s academy and during a productive loan spell at Sheffield United last season, where he registered five goals and four assists in the Championship, have only heightened his reputation as one of English football’s brightest prospects.
James McAtee’s 2024/25 Premier League Statistics
| Metric | Total | Per 90 Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 15 | – |
| Goals | 3 | 0.77 |
| Assists | 0 | 0 |
| Goal-Creating Actions | 1 | 0.26 |
| Minutes Played | 349 | – |
Manchester City’s stance on McAtee’s future appears increasingly clear. The club rejected Leverkusen’s £25 million option-to-buy loan offer in January, but with just over a year remaining on his contract and first-team opportunities remaining scarce, a summer departure now seems inevitable.
City’s reluctance to lose another talented academy graduate following Cole Palmer’s success at Chelsea may complicate negotiations, but their need to balance the squad and comply with financial regulations could ultimately force their hand.
For Tottenham, McAtee represents precisely the type of signing that could energize their midfield options. His versatility to operate as an advanced playmaker or deeper-lying creator would provide valuable tactical flexibility, while his eye for goal from midfield addresses a persistent need in Spurs’ squad.
The potential acquisition also aligns with the club’s strategy of blending established stars with promising young English talent.
However, Tottenham’s ability to secure the deal may hinge on several factors. The level of competition from rival suitors could drive up the price, while City may prefer to sell to a club outside their direct competitors.
McAtee’s own ambitions will also play a crucial role – the youngster must decide whether to prioritize immediate playing time or the potential for silverware at his next destination.
As the summer transfer window approaches, McAtee’s situation bears watching as one of the more intriguing sagas in what promises to be a busy market.
For Tottenham, successfully landing the “special” talent could represent a significant coup in their efforts to bridge the gap to the Premier League’s elite.
For McAtee, the coming months will determine whether he remains in England’s top flight or seeks opportunities abroad to continue his promising development.