James McAtee Moving Closer To Championship Club In Season-Long Loan Deal

Highly-rated Manchester City youngster James McAtee could be set for a move to the Championship on loan, according to new developments.

The Etihad club have had a fire sale of youngsters so far this summer.

After a highly successful period for the club’s youth ranks on the pitch, the club hierarchy cashed in on a handful of their young assets. 

Players such as Gavin Bazunu, Romeo Lavia, and Darko Gyabi have all left the club on permanent deals, and raised significant funds in the process. 

It has been a busy transfer window for the senior squad as well.

While the Premier League champions have made marquee signings in the form of Erling Haaland, Kalvin Phillips, and Julian Alvarez, they have also waved goodbye to key players in Oleksandr Zinchenko, Raheem Sterling, and Gabriel Jesus. 

Joining the list of departing Blues appears to be James McAtee, as the rising star is reportedly set to complete a loan move to Championship side Sheffield United, according to 'Sheff United Way'.

This claim was also compounded by Simon Jones of the Daily Mail on Tuesday morning, who reported that McAtee is discussing a loan move to Bramall Lane following an offer made by the Blades on Monday.

As such, that makes Sheffield United the favourites for the highly-coveted youngster's signature, while Mike Minay of the BBC establishes that there will be no option to buy in the deal.

James McAtee has been a star figure for the Manchester City Elite Development Squad (EDS) in recent years, boasting a tally of 26 goals and 16 assists in 46 appearances in the Premier League 2. 

As a result of his staggering performances, the 19-year-old has been tagged as a future star at the Etihad Stadium, and has even been given the nickname ‘The Salford Silva’ for his crafty left-foot. 

While many had thought he would follow in the developmental footsteps of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer by remaining around the first team to cut his teeth, it appears the young star is set to find his feet in senior football in the Championship. 

What is perhaps most impressive from the viewpoint of Sheffield United is that the club are now likely to beat out competition from the likes of Nottingham Forest and Rangers to secure the services of the promising midfielder. 

James McAtee will join fellow Manchester City loanee Tommy Doyle at Bramall Lane as he hopes to gain the experience needed to step into Pep Guardiola’s first team plans in the near future.

Sheffield United will be hoping that recruitment from the Premier League champions will significantly aid their push for promotion into the English top-flight this season.