Manchester City are reportedly making progress on a new contract for James McAtee, who could make his UEFA Champions League debut this evening.
According to the Daily Mail, the teenage midfielder is a player City are eager to tie down for the foreseeable future, with talks ‘progressing’ between the two parties. McAtee has featured for the first team this season. Moreover, the youngster will make his European bow tonight.
McAtee is regarded as one of City’s top youth talents and has been a stand out player for the club at U-23 level this campaign. Alongside Cole Palmer, the midfielder looks set to join the senior set-up for good in 2022.
Indeed, with City already confirmed group winners, Pep Guardiola is expected to give plenty of academy players minutes this evening with many first-team players due a rest given the packed festive schedule this month.
As per the report, the likes of Josh Wilson-Esbrand and Romeo Lavia could feature for City tonight against RB Leipzig. CJ Egan-Riley and academy star Liam Delap are also in the mix to get minutes against the Bundesliga side.
With Phil Foden making the transition from academy to first-team in stunning fashion, City fans will be eager for the likes of Palmer and McAtee to follow a similar path. However, as for the latter, the club are now putting in the work to retain the midfielder.
New contract for McAtee is huge for City
With Premier League clubs keeping an eye on McAtee, keeping the youngster will be a massive coup for City. And with news this week that the club are making progress to retain the midfielder, supporters can breathe a sigh of relief that work is being done to ensure the youngster stays in Manchester.
After all, the midfielder is one of the most talented players in the club’s youth academy. And McAtee has a real shot at making it for the City senior team in the next few seasons if he continues to develop his game and shine whenever Guardiola gives him a chance.
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