Manchester City are set to hand midfielder James McAtee a contract extension, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The 21-year-old impressed manager Pep Guardiola during the pre-season tour of the United States and Romano says the Cityzens “will offer [a] new deal” that will include a substantial pay rise:
🚨🔵 Manchester City are expected to offer new deal to James McAtee after his excellent performances in pre-season.
Talks to follow to bring him in line with other first team players, as Pep Guardiola’s very happy with McAtee. pic.twitter.com/bz7DNiOkMc
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 7, 2024
Guardiola confirmed earlier this week that both McAtee and Nico O’Reilly would be part of the first-team squad for the upcoming season, indicating that they will be given a fair amount of game time over the coming months.
City want to keep McAtee away from the clutches of Chelsea
Reports in early July had suggested that the midfielder was being pursued by Chelsea and several other clubs. Blues boss Enzo Maresca had worked with McAtee during his time with City’s development squad.
The Italian had also wanted to take him on loan to Leicester City last campaign before McAtee opted to join Sheffield United instead.
What has Guardiola said about McAtee?
Speaking about the England Under 21 international during pre-season, the manager was effusive in his praise, stating that he is a very talented player:
“I would love to have, to keep him [McAtee] next season with us, because he’s a special guy to play in small spaces, in the pockets, and we don’t have many.”
“When you play in the Premier League in a team fighting to not be relegated you get something special. I am curious to see Macca especially. He’s a player I have a high opinion of, and I would like if he can insert properly with the team.”
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for 2024/2025 season here
