Manchester City have turned down an offer from Bayer Leverkusen for their young midfielder, James McAtee. The decision comes as manager Pep Guardiola emphasises the need to retain the 22-year-old at the club due to a congested fixture schedule and the upcoming World Cup.
Guardiola’s Stance on McAtee
Guardiola has been vocal about his desire to keep McAtee at Manchester City. He stated, “We don’t have enough players. We have a World Cup too. We have a lot of games. I think he can play more minutes.” The manager’s comments highlight the importance of squad depth as the team faces a demanding season.
McAtee’s Role at Manchester City
James McAtee, a promising midfielder, has been with Manchester City since his youth career. Known for his technical skills and versatility, McAtee has been gradually integrated into the first team. Guardiola’s confidence in McAtee’s abilities suggests that the player will have more opportunities to contribute on the pitch.
Previous Developments
Recent reports have consistently shown Guardiola’s commitment to keeping McAtee at the club. On 25 January, Guardiola expressed his desire for McAtee to remain, reinforcing the club’s decision to reject Bayer Leverkusen’s bid. This aligns with Guardiola’s broader strategy to maintain a strong squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.