James McAtee’s talent is undeniable. At 22 years old, he needs consistent playing time to develop properly. However, with no guarantee of minutes at Manchester City, McAtee might follow in the footsteps of his slightly older peer, Cole Palmer. A product of City’s academy since age 11, McAtee has often received praise but few opportunities under Pep Guardiola. Despite being listed in over 50 matchday squads, he has never started a game. Even during City’s current injury struggles, he hasn’t been given a proper chance, fueling speculation about his future as the January transfer window progresses. For weeks, reports have highlighted McAtee’s desire to move to a club where he can play regularly. Now, a list of interested suitors has emerged, including top clubs from Germany and Italy. German outlet Kicker points to Bayer Leverkusen as a leading contender, while The Telegraph adds Borussia Dortmund, Stuttgart, RB Leipzig, and several Serie A clubs to the mix.Can Bayer keep BOTH Wirtz and Alonso by 2026?Reflecting on the “Cole Palmer case”—where Palmer left for Chelsea at 21 with minimal experience and a market value of around 15 million euros, only to now be valued at 130 million—Manchester City’s management is cautious. They are keen to retain McAtee, but his contract expires in just 18 months, leaving the club in a weak negotiating position. If they delay too long, they risk losing him for free. Kicker reports that Leverkusen scouts have been monitoring McAtee for some time, seeing him as a potential replacement for Florian Wirtz. The Telegraph adds that City might find it hard to refuse an offer in the range of 25 million euros, especially since McAtee himself is pushing for the move.“I’ve always felt this boy can play for City, and I’m very happy for him. He’s an incredibly likeable guy, trains well, works hard, and fights for every minute. I know it’s unfair to ask him to stay after not giving him fair playing time” Guardiola said recently.Hey, Pep, will KDB extend? Not my businessAfter such comments, many expected Pep to give McAtee a real chance. However, his opportunities have been limited to about 30 combined minutes against Leicester and West Ham, further intensifying transfer talks. The interest from Bundesliga clubs is no surprise. Germany has become a fertile ground for nurturing top English talents. From Jadon Sancho and Jamal Musiala to Jude Bellingham and Dortmund’s rising star Jamie Gittens, many have thrived there. For McAtee, the path is well-trodden. All that remains is for him to take the first step toward his dreams.BUNDESLIGA MATCHDAY 16Friday22:30: (2.90) Dortmund (3.60) Leverkusen (2.50)Saturday17:30: (1.42) Freiburg (4.60) Holstein Kiel (7.50)17:30: (3.20) Heidenheim (3.40) Union Berlin (2.40)17:30: (2.45) Hoffenheim (3.60) Wolfsburg (2.95)17:30: (1.55) Mainz (4.10) Bochum (6.25)17:30: (3.60) St.Pauli (3.45) Eintr.Frankfurt (2.05)20:30: (6.75) M’ gladbach (5.30) Bayern (1.45)Sunday 17:30: (1.80) RB Leipzig (3.60) Werder (4.60)19:30: (3.60) Augsburg (3.50) Stuttgart (2.05)***odds are subject to change***
