Man City star's CWC absence speaks volumes as Man Utd eye controversial deal

Manchester City could see a number of exits this summer as Pep Guardiola attempts to take his side back to the top and one midfielder will not head to the Club World Cup

Manchester City star James McAtee has been named in England's squad for the European under-21 Championships as speculation over his future continues. The 22-year-old ace has opted to play in the international tournament over travelling to the United States to play in the Club World Cup.

The midfielder, who started three Premier League games for City in 2024/25, is said to have been given the option of which competition to participate in. Earlier reports indicated McAtee was set to be snubbed from City's squad for the trip across the Atlantic however.

The young star, who has previously spent two seasons on loan at Sheffield United, has just one year remaining on his contract at the Etihad Stadium bringing his future into focus. And the decision to see him play for and captain England this month appears telling.

City have already agreed a deal with AC Milan for Tijjani Reijnders and want to secure a move for Lyon and France forward Rayan Cherki in time for the Club World Cup. Such moves would seem to push McAtee further down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola.

And there would be no shortage of suitors should he officially be on the market. McAtee drew interest from the Bundesliga in January and those clubs could still lie in wait.

Bayer Leverkusen, Stuttgart, Eintracht Frankfurt, Red Bull Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund have all expressed interest, per reports. Manchester United meanwhile head up a host of Premier League clubs who have asked to be kept informed of McAtee's situation.

West Ham, Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, Wolves, Everton, Leeds United, Fulham and Spurs all hold an interest in the City academy star. AC Milan too admire the Three Lions youth international.

McAtee is not alone in missing out on the Club World Cup, with Jack Grealish also not set to travel to the US. The former Aston Villa star is set to be made available in a cut-price deal.

Unlike with Grealish, Guardiola has made it clear he would like to retain the services of McAtee however. He said in April: "For the age I would like him to stay. I understand, the players want more minutes I understand that.

"I would like him to stay, he’s an Academy player, he knows the patterns, he’s a lovely person, a lovely guy. He trains really good, plays in different positions. I like him but with the squad, it’s how we finish and we will see."