Since McAtee has decided to leave Man city, it has been reported that Everton could have their own Cole Palmer as McAtee for just £20m amid their interest in the player
Everton are actively exploring ways to bolster their attacking and midfield options as the summer transfer window gains momentum. After a quiet start to business on Merseyside, the club is eager to reinforce key areas of the pitch—particularly in central midfield and on the wings—following several player departures at the end of last season.
Among those who exited Goodison Park is winger Jack Harrison, whose loan spell came to an end. His departure has left the Toffees light in wide areas and lacking creative depth in the middle of the park. While Everton are on the verge of securing a deal for Villarreal striker Thierno Barry, further reinforcements are still required if they are to enter the upcoming season with a competitive and balanced squad.
There have been tentative links to Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, who may be available on loan. However, another emerging name from the Etihad campus may present an even more strategic signing for Sean Dyche’s side: James McAtee.
McAtee Set to Leave Manchester City
According to fresh reports, James McAtee is set to depart Manchester City on a permanent basis this summer. The 22-year-old midfielder, once touted as a rising star under Pep Guardiola, has found game time increasingly hard to come by. The arrival of January signing Claudio Echeverri—who was preferred even in high-profile matches like the FA Cup final—has further diminished McAtee’s standing in the squad.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that City are ready to let McAtee go, with a price tag of around £20 million. That figure is seen by many as a potential bargain for a player of McAtee’s age, versatility, and untapped potential.
City have made a habit in recent years of allowing talented youngsters to leave in search of regular football—sometimes to their own regret. Both Liam Delap and Cole Palmer were allowed to leave, and while Delap continues to develop, Palmer has already blossomed into a Premier League star following his move to Chelsea. Everton now have a golden opportunity to replicate that success story with McAtee.
A Palmer-Inspired Gamble Worth Taking?
Cole Palmer is the perfect example of what regular first-team football can unlock in a promising young player. Despite showing flashes of brilliance at City, Palmer didn’t hit his stride until he joined Chelsea, where he quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout performers last season.
Many at Goodison Park believe McAtee has the potential to follow in Palmer’s footsteps. Like Palmer, McAtee is a technically gifted, left-footed attacking midfielder who is comfortable operating both centrally and on the wing—particularly on the right flank. His style of play, creativity, and goal threat would make him an ideal replacement for Harrison, who failed to make a lasting impact during his two seasons with the Toffees.
In fact, McAtee has already shown glimpses of his scoring prowess. He has netted seven senior goals—already eclipsing Palmer’s tally during his time at City, and he has done so in fewer appearances. That statistic alone hints at the potential McAtee could unleash with consistent starts and trust from a manager willing to build around young talent.
A Smart Move for the Present and Future
Beyond immediate on-pitch value, McAtee represents the kind of signing that could offer long-term benefits for Everton. At just 22 years old, his ceiling is high, and a move to a club like Everton—where he would play more regularly—could spark a dramatic rise in form, market value, and contribution.
If Everton can act quickly and convince the player of the club’s project, the £20 million fee could prove to be a masterstroke—especially as the Toffees continue to build a younger, more dynamic core to complement the leadership of veterans in the squad.
Given his age, skillset, and availability, James McAtee could be exactly the type of signing Everton need—not just to improve results next season, but to build for a more ambitious future. As interest in the player grows, the Toffees may need to make their move soon if they are to beat the competition.
As McAtee prepares for life away from Manchester, Everton now have a genuine opportunity to find their very own Cole Palmer—and potentially ignite a new star at Goodison Park.