Manchester City are set to allow wonderkid James McAtee out on loan this season as Pep Guardiola grants the 19-year-old the opportunity to find first-team football.
With his senior chances set to be limited in Guardiola's star-studded side, City have decided to loan out McAtee for the first time so that he can continue his development with regular action. The attacking midfielder has made six first-team appearances for City after impressing for the club's Under 23s, where he scored has 27 goals and grabbed 19 assists in 52 games.
Multiple Premier League and Championship clubs have registered their interest in signing the youngster this summer. So, with that in mind, here are five possible destinations for McAtee.
Brighton
Graham Potter's side would be the perfect fit for McAtee given their style of football and ability to promote young players through their system. The Seagulls actually tried to sign the playmaker on a permanent deal a year ago, but the proposed offer was rejected by City, as per the Daily Mail.
Brighton are also lacking a quality No.10 to play in between the lines, with Adam Lallana used as more of a deeper midfielder, while the likes of Alexis MacAllister and Steven Alzate have struggled for consistent form. McAtee could be the ideal option to sit in behind Danny Welbeck or Neal Maupay and pull the strings.
Everton
Another team in need of a creative spark, the Toffees could be a great fit for McAtee if Frank Lampard decides to utilise his trusted 4-2-3-1 formation this season. Everton have been linked with the likes of Ross Barkley to fill that void but McAtee would surely be a better option given his age and potential.
Although Barkley may have something to prove returning to his former club, McAtee will be keen to impress and show Guardiola what he is all about. The Salford-born prospect can operate in the middle of the attacking midfield three alongside Anthony Gordon and Dwight McNeil with Dominic Calvert-Lewin up front.
Fulham
After storming to promotion in the Championship last season, Fulham will be hoping to actually stay in the division this time, having suffered immediate relegations in their last two top-flight campaigns. The Cottagers have been heavily criticised for their transfer strategy in the past, but signing someone of McAtee's calibre and profile, rather than someone older and more experienced, could be the breath of fresh air they need.
Despite signing attacking midfielder Andreas Pereira from Manchester United, McAtee could give Fulham another creative option and youth that is desperately needed. Fulham currently have no senior players under the age of 21, and although it is not essential, McAtee would significantly lower their average age.
Where should James McAtee play his club football next season? Let us know in the comments below!
Bournemouth
Bournemouth have been one of the quietest Premier League clubs in the summer transfer window to date, having completed just two signings in Joe Rothwell and Ryan Fredericks. However, according to SportBible, the Cherries have shown a 'strong interest' in signing McAtee.
Ryan Christie is currently the Cherries' main creative outlet, but he can also play on the right-hand side, leaving space for McAtee to slot into the No.10 role and Bournemouth's style of football could suit him. They are a possession-based and could be ideal for a player of his calibre.
Burnley
The first and last Championship side on this list, Burnley are in the market for an attacking midfielder and Vincent Kompany could continue raiding his former employers. The Clarets have already signed three players from City, with Arijanet Muric arriving for £2m, while CJ Egan-Riley and Taylor Harwood-Bellis has joined on loan.
McAtee might become the fourth City player to arrive at the club this summer with Burnley keen to return to the Premier League at the first attempt. Scott Twine is expected to play up front with one of Ashley Barnes or Jay Rodriguez, with Kompany set to adopt a diamond formation, meaning a No.10 is needed.
