“Nottingham Forest and Southampton Target Manchester City’s Rising Star, Compared to David Silva”
Despite their contrasting positions in the Premier League, Nottingham Forest and Southampton are both eyeing one of the most exciting young midfield talents in England.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s Forest have enjoyed a fantastic start to the season, currently sitting in fifth place, while Russell Martin’s Southampton find themselves at the bottom of the table, still struggling to find form.
However, both clubs are united in their pursuit of a Manchester City starlet who has been hailed as a future talent, with comparisons already being drawn to former City legend David Silva.
“Nottingham Forest and Southampton Target 22-Year-Old Manchester City Star, Hailed as the Next David Silva”
As the January transfer window approaches, both Nottingham Forest and Southampton are reportedly eyeing a 22-year-old talent from Manchester City, with the young midfielder being compared to the legendary David Silva.
Forest, currently riding high in fifth place, will be keen to bring in reinforcements to sustain their impressive start to the season and maintain their push for European football. On the other hand, Southampton, languishing at the bottom of the Premier League, will be looking to bolster their squad as they fight to avoid relegation.
With a host of top-flight clubs reportedly interested, it seems the 22-year-old’s future is very much in the spotlight.
“Nottingham Forest and Southampton Join Battle for Manchester City’s James McAtee, With Leeds, Celtic and More in Pursuit”
Nottingham Forest and Southampton are among a growing list of clubs targeting Manchester City’s 22-year-old midfielder James McAtee. The talented playmaker, who has been compared to David Silva, is in high demand, with Premier League rivals West Ham United, Leicester City, and Leeds United also reportedly vying for his signature.
However, the competition doesn’t end in England. European clubs including Lille, Feyenoord, Stuttgart, and Girona are also said to be closely monitoring McAtee’s situation. With so much interest surrounding the young talent, it’s clear that McAtee’s future is one to watch closely as the January transfer window approaches.
Who is Nottingham Forest and Southampton Target James McAtee?
James McAtee is a talented 22-year-old midfielder who has emerged from Manchester City’s renowned youth system. He made his senior debut for the club in 2021 but has found opportunities limited, with just 13 competitive appearances for City to date.
In search of regular first-team football, McAtee spent the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons on loan at Sheffield United, where he enjoyed a successful spell. Over 75 appearances, he netted 14 goals and provided eight assists, showcasing his potential as a creative and attacking threat.
However, since returning to Manchester City, McAtee has struggled to break into Pep Guardiola’s star-studded lineup, managing only six appearances and 311 minutes of action this season. As a result, he is reportedly attracting significant interest from clubs like Nottingham Forest and Southampton, both of whom are keen to add his talents to their midfield.
James McAtee: The £20m Manchester City Star Likened to James Rodriguez and David Silva
James McAtee has been a highly-rated talent since his breakthrough at Manchester City, with football experts and scouts drawing comparisons to some of the game’s top playmakers. In 2021, Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig likened McAtee to Colombian superstar James Rodriguez, highlighting his flair, vision, and ability to create chances. Meanwhile, The Sun reported that the £20million-rated midfielder has been compared to City legend David Silva due to his technical skill and playmaking abilities in the final third.
Despite his potential, McAtee has struggled to secure a regular spot in Pep Guardiola’s star-studded team. With his contract running until the summer of 2026, Manchester City now faces a decision about McAtee’s future, especially as he approaches the final 18 months of his deal. The growing interest from clubs like Nottingham Forest, Southampton, and several European teams may prompt City to act sooner rather than later.