In the summer of 2022, City have ensured that a whole host of their most prodigious youngsters are handed the chance to play first-team football elsewhere.
Considering that competition for places at the Etihad Stadium is rife, the club have either sold or sent a number of their raw prospects on loan.
For instance, the likes of Gavin Bazunu, Romeo Lavia, Darko Gyabi and CJ Egan-Riley have all joined Southampton, Leeds and Burnley next season.
In addition, increasing reports have suggested that Samuel Edozie looks likely to sign for Bayer Leverkusen, sooner rather than later.
Advert
However, other young players have gone out on loan such as Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Yan Couto, Tommy Doyle and James Trafford to sides such as Burnley, Girona, Sheffield United and Bolton Wanderers respectively.
In the midst of such outgoings, it remains uncertain what plans are in place for James McAtee during the 2022/23 season.
Initially, there were reports that had suggested that the 19-year old would be handed a bigger role in the first-team.
Much like in the case of Phil Foden, the silky midfielder by trade was set to be integrated into the side by deploying him in wider positions.
However, there have been murmurs that the starlet could be set for a potential move away from the club, with reports having stated that a season-long loan could be in the works.
Advert
As the rumours continue surrounding the starlet’s plans for next term, a new update has provided a certain amount of clarity.
According to a report by the Daily Mail, the Premier League Champions will consider sending James McAtee on loan, provided a club can guarantee assurances about his playing time.
Suitors such as Villareal, Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth have shown ‘strong interest’ to wrap up a deal for the Englishman.
The ‘Salford Silva’ is clearly rated by Pep Guardiola, as he was granted his debuts across all four fronts in the previous term.
Additionally, the teenage sensation was also tied down to a long-term contract at his boyhood club until 2026 in February this year.
Advert
However, James McAtee may struggle to cement his place in the side, with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan operating in his preferred attacking midfield role.
Out on the flank as well, the Sky Blues have no shortage of options, due to the presence of Phil Foden, Riyad Mahrez, Jack Grealish and Julian Alvarez.
As a result, it would not be a surprise to see Manchester City trying their best to send the highly-rated McAtee out on loan in order to further boost his development.
Featured Image Credit: Sportimage/AlamyTopics: Manchester City, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Premier League, Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth
