Interest Grows in James McAtee from Five Bundesliga Clubs After England U21 Success

Multiple Bundesliga clubs are showing strong interest in James McAtee, following his standout performance as captain of England’s Under-21 team in the European Championship final against Germany. The attacking midfielder, who currently plays for Manchester City, is expected to transfer this summer as his contract with the club nears its end.

McAtee, 22, played a key role in England’s victory and was named man of the match in the final. Manchester City plans to allow him to leave, with a deal likely to include a buyback clause—similar to the arrangement made when Cole Palmer moved to Chelsea two years ago. Valued at over £25 million, McAtee’s departure would continue City’s recent trend of developing and selling young talent for significant fees, bringing their total earnings from academy graduates close to £400 million over the past decade.

The player’s future is under discussion among several German clubs, including Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Eintracht Frankfurt, VfB Stuttgart, and Bayer Leverkusen, who have all expressed interest. Dortmund, in particular, is selling Jamie Bynoe-Gittens to Chelsea for £55.5 million, and could see McAtee as a suitable replacement.

Scoring seven goals in 27 appearances last season, McAtee’s prospects for more game time at City have diminished due to incoming players like Rayan Cherki and Oscar Babb returning from injury. His impressive form at the Euros emphasized his potential, even as he was sidelined from City’s squad for the Club World Cup, which was recently eliminated by Al Hilal in the last 16.

The upcoming match between Manchester City and Al Hilal at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium will be affected by weather conditions, with thunderstorms threatening to delay the game. The fixture also features notable connections—former City player Joao Cancelo left City after disagreements with Guardiola, and Al Hilal’s executive team includes several former City officials.

James McAtee is gaining attention after shining for England’s Under-21 squad this summer

The 22-year-old midfielder is anticipated to depart from Manchester City in the coming months

Rayan Cherki’s signing has moved McAtee further down Pep Guardiola’s rotation