Feeling overlooked? That's the sentiment James McAtee expressed when discussing his departure from Manchester City. He's now with Nottingham Forest, and the move was all about one thing: getting consistent playing time.
McAtee, who made his Premier League debut last season and even scored in a commanding 5-2 victory over Crystal Palace, felt a fresh start was crucial for his development. He captained the England under-21 squad to European glory that summer, but the decision to leave the Etihad was already brewing.
In an interview with FourFourTwo, McAtee explained, "I just want consistent football; I feel like I’ve not had that for a good three years now – and it’s hard to always get back in the rhythm straight away." He added, "But I know that I have to work hard for it and prove myself. In every good team, you’re going to have to battle for your spot. That’s something I’m willing to do."
But here's where it gets controversial... Manchester City underwent significant changes during the summer, including Hugo Viana taking over from Txiki Begiristain as director of football. Plus, key players like Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Ederson, and Ilkay Gundogan all moved on.
McAtee, a Salford native, is looking forward to facing his former teammates when Forest plays Man City in the Premier League. "I’ve not really thought about it, but it’ll be fun and interesting," he said. "Right now, I just want to focus on impressing here at Forest."
And this is the part most people miss... Man City has a history of letting go of promising academy talents. Morgan Rodgers, Liam Delap, and Michael Olise are recent examples. Most notably, Cole Palmer was sold to Chelsea for a staggering £40 million.
What do you think about McAtee's decision? Do you agree that young players need consistent game time to thrive, or is it a sign of impatience? Let's discuss in the comments!
