James McAtee is being backed to leave Man City in the January transfer window by fans of the club amid fresh claims around his stance on his future with the Premier League champions

James McAtee is being backed to leave Man City in the January transfer window by fans of the club amid fresh claims around his stance on his future with the Premier League champions

Premier League clubs such as West Ham and Fulham have been linked with a move for the 22-year-old already this season.

 

It has been a frustrating campaign for the midfielder since he returned from a successful loan spell with Sheffield United last season.

 

He has made just two Premier League appearances for Man City this season, despite the ongoing struggles for form of Pep Guardiola’s side.

 

As a result it seems he may now have to a decision over his future at the club that many fans are supporting.

 

James McAtee tipped for January move away from Man City

According to a report from the Daily Telegraph, McAtee has become frustrated with his lack of game time at the Etihad this season.

 

 

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As a result it is thought that the attacking midfielder would now prefer to leave Man City in the January transfer window amid that interest from a number of other clubs in England and Europe.

 

Taking to social media to react to that update on the future of the academy product, a number of the club’s fans were understanding of the player’s apparent stance.

 

Indeed, some were even critical of Guardiola for not giving him more opportunities this season, particularly amid this dismal run of just one win in the last 13 league games.

 

 

 

Rodri of Manchester City is congratulated by his team mates as he collects his Ballon d’Or. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

 

The absence of Rodri at Manchester City will almost certainly have contributed to their recent collapse but clearly isn’t the only reason.

 

Ever since the Spaniard didn’t line up in Pep Guardiola‘s first team, Man City have had problems, and the defence of their Premier League title is already out the window given that they’re already 14 points behind leaders, Liverpool, who also have a game in hand.

 

Man City want Zubimendi to replace Rodri

Guardiola is already planning to recruit an English top-flight striker to help haul City out of their current mess, and the manager will surely be hoping that Erling Haaland will find his shooting boots again, after missing a penalty in the recent match against Everton.

 

Clearly, shoring up the midfield remains a priority, and to that end, £51m-rated La Liga ace (Sky Sports), Martin Zubimendi, a player that Liverpool tried to sign in the summer, has been targeted.

 

Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad

Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad warms up prior to the match against Girona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

 

With City on the verge of being knocked out of Europe entirely – something that could happen if they don’t win their final Champions League group games – the club have to salvage something from their Premier League season.

 

Zubimendi could stay in Spain rather than step into Rodri’s shoes

A run in the FA Cup might be their best hope of success in 2024/25 too, but whether Zubimendi will finally leave Real Sociedad is a moot point.

 

The 25-year-old has had the opportunity to move from San Sebastian before now, but has steadfastly refused to do so.

 

Loyalty in the modern game is rare with so many riches on offer to the world’s best exponents, so if the Spaniard again decides against leaving La Real, he has to be lauded for his willingness to remain at the club of his life, rather than being denigrated for having no ambition.

 

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