Nottingham Forest receive transfer response after ‘£25m bid’ for midfielder
Nottingham Forest See Bid Rejected for Manchester City’s James McAtee, But Remain Keen on Transfer
Nottingham Forest have reportedly had a substantial bid turned down in their pursuit of highly-rated Manchester City midfielder James McAtee. According to Sky Sports, Forest submitted an offer believed to be around £25 million, but it fell short of City’s valuation of the talented 22-year-old.
The reigning Premier League champions are thought to be holding out for at least £35 million—a figure previously touted as McAtee’s price tag—though some reports suggest City may be seeking an even higher fee for their homegrown talent.
Forest have been tracking McAtee for some time, and their recent move signals serious intent to bolster Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad ahead of a demanding season that includes a return to European competition. The club’s management is keen to add depth and quality across all areas, and McAtee is seen as an ideal addition due to his technical quality, versatility, and experience at the highest level.
McAtee, who developed through Manchester City’s prestigious academy, made 26 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side in all competitions last season. The England Under-21 international is widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents in English football. His impressive displays have attracted interest not just from Premier League clubs but also from Europe, with Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, and Eintracht Frankfurt all reportedly monitoring his situation.
The youngster recently visited Frankfurt to assess a potential move, but it is understood that McAtee turned down the opportunity to leave England, instead preferring to continue his career in the Premier League. This decision has intensified the battle among English top-flight sides to secure his signature. Alongside Forest, West Ham United, Crystal Palace, and Everton have all been credited with interest in the midfielder.
McAtee’s future at the Etihad Stadium appears increasingly uncertain, with a move away from City looking more likely before the transfer window closes on September 1. Despite Pep Guardiola’s public admiration for the player, first-team opportunities may remain limited at a club stacked with world-class midfielders.
Speaking back in April, Guardiola shared his thoughts on McAtee’s potential and expressed a desire for him to stay:
“For his age, I would love him to remain with us. He’s an academy product, understands our style of play, and is a fantastic lad. He trains well, is very versatile, and has a great attitude. But I also understand that players want to play regularly. We’ll see how things develop.”
McAtee was also a key figure in England’s Under-21 side that won the UEFA U21 European Championship earlier this summer. He played alongside Forest’s own Elliot Anderson, with both players contributing significantly to the Young Lions’ successful title defence in Slovakia.
As Forest prepare for a landmark campaign—one that will see them return to European competition for the first time in over 30 years—their focus remains on strengthening the squad to meet the challenges ahead. The club has already secured two signings this summer, bringing in striker Igor Jesus and centre-back Jair Cunha from Brazilian side Botafogo.
A third arrival is believed to be close, with winger Dan Ndoye expected to complete his move from Bologna in the coming days.
The squad is currently undergoing pre-season preparations in Portugal, where Nuno is working to integrate new signings and build cohesion ahead of a long and demanding season. With time still left in the window, Forest’s ambitious pursuit of James McAtee may not be over just yet.