Several Bundesliga clubs were interested in the captain of England’s U-21 European champions, but James McAtee (22) has decided to transfer within the Premier League to Nottingham Forest.
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 all rumored to be at least loosely interested. An agreement had already been reached with Leverkusen last January, but ManCity blocked the transfer. Since Saturday evening, it has been confirmed that Germany’s top flight will not be getting the captain of the reigning European Under-21 champions.
McAtee will instead be moving within the Premier League, leaving City for Nottingham Forest. According to reports, the basic transfer fee is around €23 million, which could rise further through various bonuses. Forest had been pursuing the player for some time this summer, but their initial offer had been rejected.
Now, however, Nottingham has won the race and signed McAtee to a five-year contract until June 30, 2030. Forest had already secured some high-profile reinforcements for its offense this summer: Right winger Dan Ndoye (24) is joining 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, while league rivals Crystal Palace will have to settle for the Conference League play-offs.
A central role like in Sheffield?
McAtee, who only had a contract with Manchester City until 2026, is likely to get significantly more playing time at Forest than he did recently. The Skyblues-trained midfielder made 18 appearances for City in three Premier League seasons (15 of them in 2024/25) and 30 during his loan spell at Sheffield United (2023/24).
The likelihood that McAtee will add to his Premier League tally (currently six goals and three assists) next season is also relatively high.
