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November 04, 2025
James McAtee cites key reason to explain why Manchester City exit was inevitable
Nottingham Forest and England U21 playmaker James McAtee has explained the reasoning behind his departure from Manchester City in the summer transfer window.McAtee signed for Nottingham Forest from Ci...
James McAtee, the talented midfielder now shining for Nottingham Forest and England's U21 squad, has shed light on the crucial factor that ultimately led to his exit from Manchester City during the summer transfer window. While the young player acknowledges his deep respect for the club that nurtured his early career, he believes a specific need for consistent playing time was the driving force behind his move.
McAtee, who officially joined Nottingham Forest from Manchester City in the summer, suggests that the intense competition for places within Pep Guardiola's star-studded squad made it increasingly difficult for him to secure the regular first-team opportunities he craved at this stage of his development. He emphasized that spending time on the pitch week in and week out is vital for a young player looking to hone their skills and reach their full potential.
“Manchester City is obviously an incredible club filled with world-class players,” McAtee explained. “But sometimes, for a young player, you need to prioritize getting consistent minutes. It’s about gaining experience, learning from different situations, and really developing your game in a competitive environment.”
The midfielder added that he had thoroughly considered his options before making the decision, and ultimately felt that the opportunity to play regularly at Nottingham Forest was the right step for his career. He expressed his gratitude to Manchester City for the opportunities they provided him during his time within their academy and first-team setup.
Since arriving at the City Ground, McAtee has quickly become an integral part of Nottingham Forest's squad, showcasing his creativity, vision, and technical ability in midfield. His performances have not only impressed fans but also earned him recognition on the international stage with the England U21s. He hopes that the consistent playing time he receives at Nottingham Forest will continue to aid his development and allow him to fulfil his potential. The move signifies a crucial step in McAtee's career as he seeks to establish himself as a prominent figure in English football.
McAtee, who officially joined Nottingham Forest from Manchester City in the summer, suggests that the intense competition for places within Pep Guardiola's star-studded squad made it increasingly difficult for him to secure the regular first-team opportunities he craved at this stage of his development. He emphasized that spending time on the pitch week in and week out is vital for a young player looking to hone their skills and reach their full potential.
“Manchester City is obviously an incredible club filled with world-class players,” McAtee explained. “But sometimes, for a young player, you need to prioritize getting consistent minutes. It’s about gaining experience, learning from different situations, and really developing your game in a competitive environment.”
The midfielder added that he had thoroughly considered his options before making the decision, and ultimately felt that the opportunity to play regularly at Nottingham Forest was the right step for his career. He expressed his gratitude to Manchester City for the opportunities they provided him during his time within their academy and first-team setup.
Since arriving at the City Ground, McAtee has quickly become an integral part of Nottingham Forest's squad, showcasing his creativity, vision, and technical ability in midfield. His performances have not only impressed fans but also earned him recognition on the international stage with the England U21s. He hopes that the consistent playing time he receives at Nottingham Forest will continue to aid his development and allow him to fulfil his potential. The move signifies a crucial step in McAtee's career as he seeks to establish himself as a prominent figure in English football.
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