James McAtee Set to Join Nottingham Forest as Personal Terms Agreed

Nottingham Forest are close to signing Manchester City midfielder James McAtee after agreeing on personal terms with him. The clubs are finalizing the deal.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Forest and McAtee have agreed on personal terms. McAtee picked Forest despite other Premier League interest. Talks between Forest and City are nearly done, with McAtee likely costing over £20 million, according to reports. Earlier, City valued McAtee at £40 million after rejecting a £25 million offer from Forest. Nottingham Forest is preparing a new bid for Dan Ndoye, indicating their active engagement in the transfer market.

WHY THIS MOVE MATTERS

McAtee has impressed on loan at Sheffield United and wants regular playing time given limited chances at City. Forest, who struggled near the bottom last season, are adding creative flair to boost their attack. Reports earlier this summer suggested Crystal Palace and Tottenham also wanted McAtee, but he chose Forest. It is a significant investment for Forest as they aim to climb the league table after qualifying for the Conference League this season with their 7th place finish in the Premier League. Crystal Palace’s interest in McAtee reflects his valued skillset.

THIS SEASON’S CONTEXT

Forest began this season hoping to avoid another relegation battle after qualifying for European competitions in 2024/25. City, meanwhile, continue reshaping their squad after boosting their forward options, further reducing McAtee’s opportunities for first-team action. McAtee played 34 senior games for City by last season’s end, but his best performances came during a loan spell at Sheffield United in the top flight. Manchester City has also moved to enhance their squad, influencing McAtee’s position in the roster.

WHAT NEXT?

Final paperwork and medical examinations will follow, and the deal is expected to be announced once the clubs finalize the payment schedule. Forest’s next league game will test their revamped midfield as they seek early points to move clear of the relegation zone. With a deep attacking group, City are moving on, while Forest hope McAtee’s creativity and work rate bolster their midfield.