James McAtee Joins Sheffield United From Manchester City On Season-Long Loan

James McAtee has joined Sheffield United on a season long-loan from Manchester City, the club have announced.

After months and months of speculation, it seems like City have decided it is best for the youngster's development to attain regular first-team minutes elsewhere.

He joins fellow City youngster Tommy Doyle at Bramall Lane and will hope to fire Paul Heckingbottom's side towards the play-off places.

It is likely the Blues have received guarantees on his gametime and want to see how well he can adapt to the physicality of senior football.

Only last season, after fierce negotiations, McAtee penned a three-year contract extension with the club and committed his future until at least 2025.

There was a line of thinking that the player wanted to move on in search of a first-team breakthrough, but Pep Guardiola has managed to convince him his future is in Sky Blue.

Speaking in the wake of his loan move, McAtee has said: "I'm looking forward to the challenge, I've been building up to a loan for a few years now and I think I'm ready.

"Paul (Heckingbottom) was a lovely guy to meet, he showed me around and made me feel welcome. He was telling me about how he sees me playing and that's how I see it too.

"The way the Sheffield United play suits me and hopefully I can help with creative options. Manchester City are obviously happy with the club, they want me to get some game time and experience."

In addition, Heckingbottom - the Sheffield United manager - has commented: "James a talented player, someone who rated very highly at City and throughout football. We are excited to get him.

"We know there was a lot of interest in him, we registered ours last year but obviously James wanted to get in the Manchester City squad.

"As soon as he became available for loan, his agents did a really good job, presented the clubs who were interested and I believe we were the only one in the Championship who he wanted to speak to, among interest from the Premier League and abroad.

"We put our best foot forward, we told James what he can expect from us but likewise what we expect from him and he wanted to come.

"We are grateful to Manchester City, we think we are a good place for young players and comparisons have been drawn, we have huge expectation and a major fan base."

The 19-year-old midfielder is clearly ready from senior football and his dominance of the Premier League 2 is only further proof of that.

Last season, in tandem with his first-team adventures, McAtee won the PL2 Player of the Season for his 18 goals and seven assists.

He made his senior debut in early September against Wycombe Wanderers.

The Carabao Cup third round was a chance to see multiple academy talents in action, including Luke Mbete, Cole Palmer and Josh Wilson-Esbrand.

McAtee was handed his debut off the bench and impressed the Etihad faithful with his silky footwork and weight of pass.

Just weeks later, he made his Premier League debut against Everton and almost scored his first goal when he beat multiple Toffee's defenders in the box.

Across the rest of the 2021/22 campaign, McAtee made appearances in the FA Cup and Champions League - further emphasising his rapid development.