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Key Points

James McAtee has ended his 11-year stint at Manchester City to join Nottingham Forest on a long-term deal. The 22-year-old midfielder, fresh from captaining England to U21 Euro success, seeks a fresh challenge after breakthrough moments at City. Forest’s Chief Football Officer praised McAtee’s ambition in choosing the club over other suitors. The move reunites him with fellow England U21 winners Elliot and Omari at the City Ground.

Key Points: James McAtee Joins Nottingham Forest From Man City on Five-Year Deal

  • McAtee leaves Man City after 11 years including academy rise
  • Scored first PL goal and UCL strike last season
  • Captained England to U21 Euro glory in 2025
  • Forest secure highly-rated midfielder amid strong competition
2 min read

McAtee leaves Man City to join Nottingham Forest on five-year deal

England U21 Euro-winning captain James McAtee leaves Man City after 11 years to sign for Nottingham Forest, aiming to build on their recent success.

"I feel ready for a new challenge and want to show what I can do. – James McAtee"

London, Aug 17

James McAtee has left Manchester City to sign for Nottingham Forest on five-year deal. The move ended an 11-year association with his boyhood club for the 22-year-old attacking midfielder, having first joined Man City academy at Under-11 level.

McAtee has scored seven times in 34 appearances for his boyhood Club, Manchester City. He enjoyed two successful spells on loan at Sheffield United from 2022, playing 75 times for the Blades, scoring 14 times and registering eight assists.

It was a season of firsts for the midfielder in 2024/25, who netted his first Premier League goal for City, scored his first career hat-trick in the FA Cup third round, and opened his account on Europe’s biggest stage with a goal on his second appearance in the Champions League.

Upon signing McAtee, said, “I feel ready for a new challenge and the Club had a great season last year so I want to help build on that and show what I can do.

“I’m so happy to be here and really looking forward to getting started with my new teammates and I know the ambition of everyone associated with the Club which is something I want to be a part of.”

McAtee joined Forest having recently lifted the UEFA Under-21 Euros in June 2025, when he captained England’s Young Lions and proved a pivotal figure for Lee Carsley’s side, including a Player of the Match performance as England beat Germany 3-2 to lift the trophy.

Chief Football Officer, Ross Wilson said, "“After captaining England to the U21 European Championship title, James took some time to reflect on his next step - and we’re thrilled he’s chosen Forest. We are proud to now have three extremely exciting young talents from the group that lifted the U21 EURO trophy with Elliot, Omari and now James.

“There was strong interest in James, but he showed a real determination to join us. Our players have been excited about the possibility of him arriving, and now we can officially welcome him into the group.”

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Ananya R
Smart decision to leave City where playing time was limited. Reminds me of how our Indian players should also consider moves abroad for development. Best wishes to McAtee - hope he becomes Forest's talisman!
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Karthik V
As a Man City fan from Mumbai, this hurts but I understand. He was never going to bench Foden or Grealish. Forest getting a gem here - his U21 Euro performance was class. Hope he comes back to Etihad someday!
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Sarah B
Interesting move! Forest's scouting has been impressive lately. Wondering if Indian clubs could learn from their model of blending youth with experience. McAtee's leadership qualities from U21 Euros will be valuable.
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Varun X
Respectfully, I think City should have given him more chances. His stats per minute were excellent. But good for Forest - their midfield looks scary now with him and Gibbs-White. Premier League getting more competitive!
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Priyanka N
As someone who follows both EPL and ISL, this is the kind of transfer that excites me! Young talent getting proper platform. Hope our Indian youngsters like Vikram Partap Singh get similar opportunities abroad 🤞

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