West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Manchester City midfielder James McAtee.
The former England under-21 international enjoyed an impressive loan stint with Sheffield United the last two years, registering 14 goals and supplying eight assists in 75 appearances. He returned to Manchester City in the summer but has found opportunities limited this season. Despite a string of injuries to key players, the 22-year-old has played just one minute in the Premier League.
The situation surrounding the youngster has caught the attention of several clubs. According to a report from The Guardian, West Ham have lined up a January swoop for James McAtee but face competition from London rivals Fulham. The London duo are tracking the creative midfielder, who could cost a tad above £20m.
Highly regarded within Man City, McAtee could need to leave his boyhood club in search of regular football. With his current contract set to expire in the summer of 2026, the aforementioned report adds the Sky Blues are open to selling him next year.
James McAtee to West Ham—Smart move?
West Ham replaced David Moyes with Julen Lopetegui as their new manager before the start of the 2024/25 season. They backed the Spanish tactician wholeheartedly in the transfer market by spending over £100m for new recruits.
However, Lopetegui has seen his side get off to a poor start in the Premier League this term. The Irons have won just three times in the Premier League in 11 outings, leaving Lopetegui under pressure at the club. Despite the uncertainty over the managerial situation, the chiefs at the London Stadium have started planning for the January transfer window.
The Hammers would be open to selling Lucas Paqueta, with their star midfielder being unable to replicate last term’s success. The Brazilian international has not performed well and is wanted back home by Botafogo. By cashing him in, West Ham could reinvest the funds to sign Man City talent James McAtee.
McAtee has made six appearances across all competitions for City this season. A lack of regular opportunities has led the Salford-born starlet to consider his future at the Etihad Stadium. A creative midfielder by trade, the Englishman can also operate out wide. He could provide guile, industry, creativity and goals from midfield while further enhancing the Hammers’ squad.
McAtee’s talent and high potential will no doubt be appealing to the east London side at the moment amid doubts over the future of Paqueta, who has been charged with a breach of the Football Association’s betting regulations. The City academy graduate could also be useful for this talented West Ham squad, while one imagines the move could also appeal to him as it would allow him to stay in the Premier League.
That said, the Irons must go all out to sign McAtee as a potential replacement for Paqueta during the winter transfer window.
