NafisaPep Guardiola’s tough call to omit James McAtee from Manchester City’s FA Cup final squad has intensified transfer speculation linking him with Leeds United.
No other City player has netted more goals in the FA Cup this campaign than McAtee. The 22-year-old Englishman recorded a hat-trick in his side’s 8-0 demolition of Salford City.
But despite being instrumental in City’s advancement through the competition, Guardiola left the youngster out of his squad for the final — he wasn’t even named among the substitutes.
McAtee is unlikely to be pleased with the decision, especially considering his midfield spot was filled by 19-year-old Claudio Echeverri, who made his debut for the Premier League champions in the 76th minute. The exclusion has only intensified speculation about McAtee’s future away from City.
Leeds are reportedly among a dozen clubs that have made contact with Guardiola’s side regarding McAtee. Daniel Farke’s team made an approach for McAtee last season, but Guardiola was determined to retain the academy product.
The Blues are understood to be placing a £25million valuation on McAtee. However, unless City can convince their youth graduate to agree to a contract renewal, the 22-year-old could leave on a free next year with his deal set to expire in the summer of 2026.
Leeds aren’t the only club keeping tabs. The likes of Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Milan are just a few of the teams tracking McAtee’s progress.
One clear advantage McAtee would likely gain from a move to Elland Road is increased game time compared to some of the bigger clubs.
Guardiola now has one more season to convince McAtee that he values him and envisions a future for the Englishman at the Etihad. What transpires this summer could be crucial in determining whether McAtee cements a place at City — or embarks on a new journey elsewhere.
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