Talented Manchester City player may seek January exit

Manchester City may face the departure of a highly-rated young player in the upcoming January transfer window. Former scout Mick Brown believes an “outstanding” academy graduate is keen to leave the club in search of regular first-team football.

James McAtee, a 22-year-old midfielder, has struggled to break into Pep Guardiola’s starting lineup despite City’s recent poor form in the Premier League. McAtee has made just two brief substitute appearances in the league this season.

Brown told Football Insider: “There’s significant interest in McAtee after his successful loan at Sheffield United. He’s developed further by training with City’s top players, but now he needs regular game time to continue his growth. I think he’ll look to leave City in January to test himself elsewhere.”

The scout added that City may be reluctant to let McAtee go after seeing other academy products like Cole Palmer thrive since leaving. However, if McAtee isn’t going to play, he could push for a move to further his development.

While it’s always disappointing to see homegrown talent depart, McAtee’s desire for more minutes is understandable at this stage of his career. He impressed during his loan spell at Sheffield United last season, scoring a spectacular solo goal against Blackpool.

Guardiola will have to weigh the benefits of keeping McAtee as squad depth against the player’s need for regular football. With City struggling for form, January could be a pivotal month both for the club and McAtee’s future.