When James McAtee, a 22‑year‑old midfielder from Manchester City, signed for Nottingham Forest in a deal that could climb to £30 million, a handful of Bundesliga clubs felt the sting. The move was confirmed in late June 2024 by Sky Germany and German reporter Florian Plettenberg, ending weeks of speculation that Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt might snatch the England Under‑21 captain.
McAtee cut his teeth in Pep Guardiola’s academy before breaking into the first team last season. In 34 appearances across all competitions he notched seven goals – all of them in the 2024‑25 campaign – and logged three Premier League starts. "We’ve watched his development closely, and his technical ability is world‑class for his age," Guardiola once said in a press conference back in February 2024. His performances earned him a starring role at the UEFA European Under‑21 Championship, where he captained England to a 1‑0 victory over Germany in July 2023.
Borussia Dortmund had been tracking McAtee since the start of the summer window. Their sporting director, Michael Zorc, told German outlet Kicker that the English midfielder fit the "dynamic, high‑pressing profile" Dortmund employs. RB Leipzig, fresh off a run to the Champions League knockout stage, saw McAtee as a potential partner for Christopher Nkunku, while Eintracht Frankfurt believed he could add creativity to a midfield already anchored by Daichi Kamada.
Negotiations, however, hit a snag when Manchester City reportedly demanded a minimum £25 million fee plus a buy‑back clause. The German clubs were prepared to meet the price, but Forest’s offer – a long‑term contract with sell‑on and buy‑back provisions – proved more attractive to the player, who expressed a desire to play regular Premier League football.
Nottingham Forest entered the transfer market with a clear blueprint: build a squad capable of competing on both domestic and European fronts. So far they have spent £44 million on winger Dan Ndoye and striker Igor Jesus, and extended the contract of Morgan Gibbs‑White. The club also sold Anthony Elanga to Newcastle United for £55 million, freeing up capital.
"James brings the energy and vision we need to thrive in the Europa League," said Forest sporting director Stewart Fletcher. "His experience with a top‑four club and his leadership at the Under‑21 level will be invaluable."
Forest are also in advanced talks for Omari Hutchinson, Douglas Luiz and Arnaud Kalimuendo, and a £37.5 million deal for Hutchinson from Ipswich Town appears close to completion.
With McAtee off the table, Borussia Dortmund are likely to revert their attention to Carney Chukwuemeka, the Chelsea midfielder whose loan ended after his Club World Cup stint. Dortmund’s scouting chief, Sascha Dornbusch, hinted that "Chukwuemeka still fits the profile we need for the next season".
RB Leipzig, on the other hand, might revive plans to bring Christopher Nkunku back, especially now that they have cash from the recent sale of Benjamin Sesko and anticipate the possible departure of Xavi Simons. "We have the resources and the ambition to re‑sign top talent," Leipzig sporting director Joachim Wuttke told reporters.
Eintracht Frankfurt’s window remains open; the club recently received £30 million from Hugo Ekitike’s transfer to Liverpool, but they have yet to name a direct replacement for McAtee.
For McAtee, the Premier League offers a platform to showcase his talent week in, week out, and the prospect of European nights with Forest adds allure. "I’m excited to fight for a starting spot and help the club reach new heights," he said in a press conference in Nottingham.
Manchester City, meanwhile, can focus on developing their next batch of academy prospects while keeping an eye on the buy‑back trigger. Their midfield depth remains strong, with players like Mateo Kovacic and Julian Alvarez still in the squad.
Dortmund and Leipzig will now have to recalibrate their summer strategies, potentially turning to other emerging talents from the English Championship or the Bundesliga itself. The ripple effect could see a shuffle of transfer targets across Europe as clubs vie for the remaining talent pool.
Forest’s venture into the Europa League will test the new signings’ chemistry quickly. Their opening group match against Olympique Marseille is scheduled for 20 September 2024, a date that could provide an early litmus test for McAtee’s impact.
McAtee adds Premier League experience and a winning mentality to a Forest side that has struggled for creativity in recent seasons. His ability to operate between the lines should help the club break down defensive opponents in the group stage, potentially turning tight matches in their favor.
Manchester City’s £25 million base fee, coupled with a buy‑back clause, made the deal financially riskier for Dortmund, Leipzig and Frankfurt. Forest’s willingness to meet the fee and offer a long‑term contract ultimately tipped the scales in their favour.
Dortmund are expected to refocus on Carney Chukwuemeka, whose loan at Chelsea ended this summer. Sources say the club is also monitoring Brighton’s midfielder Alexis Mac Allister as a potential backup.
Yes. Leipzig have earmarked funds from Benjamin Sesko’s sale and anticipate a possible exit for Xavi Simons. Their sporting director confirmed that Nkunku remains high on their priority list for the upcoming season.
The 10 % sell‑on clause guarantees City a future cut if Forest later sells McAtee at a profit. The buy‑back clause gives Guardiola the option to re‑acquire the player at a pre‑determined price, preserving a strategic asset should his value rise.
Written by Zimkita Khayone Mvunge
View all posts by: Zimkita Khayone Mvunge