Nottingham Forest are on the brink of sealing a permanent deal for Manchester City midfielder James McAtee, with the transfer now in its final stages and a fee expected to top £20 million.
Softfootball reported that the 22-year-old academy graduate has already agreed to personal terms with Forest, who believe the move will be wrapped up in the coming days. McAtee’s arrival is seen as a major boost to Nuno Espírito Santo’s squad ahead of their Premier League and Europa League campaigns.
Sports journalist and transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano tweeted the development on his official X account, writing:
“Nottingham Forest are closing in on James McAtee deal with Manchester City! Agreement at the final stages for fee in excess of £20m, #NFFC confident to get it done… here we go, expected soon.”
McAtee was the subject of interest from other Premier League and Bundesliga clubs but made it clear Forest was his preferred destination.
His future had been in doubt all summer, particularly after Pep Guardiola left him out of City’s Club World Cup squad along with Jack Grealish, a move widely interpreted as a signal both were heading for the exit.
City have now accepted Forest’s bid, though some supporters have questioned the price tag, pointing out the club previously rejected offers in the region of £25 million.
The move comes after Forest allowed winger Anthony Elanga to join Newcastle earlier in the window. They have already brought in Dan Ndoye as a replacement, but Nuno is keen to add more attacking options to cope with the extra demands of European football.
When the deal crosses the line this week, McAtee will become one of Forest’s marquee summer signings as they aim to make an impact both domestically and in Europe.
