Nottingham Forest has officially completed the signing of midfielder James McAtee from Manchester City.
The 22-year-old England Under-21 captain has inked a five-year contract with Forest, with the reported fee rising to £30 million alongside included buy-back and sell-on clauses in favour of his former club.
McAtee expressed his gratitude to Manchester City—and his excitement for the new chapter—saying, “I feel ready for a new challenge and the club had a great season last year so I want to help build on that and show what I can do. I’m so happy to be here and really looking forward to getting started with my new teammates and I know the ambition of everyone associated with the club which is something I want to be a part of.”
Ross Wilson, Nottingham Forest’s Chief Football Officer, welcomed McAtee with praise for his leadership and potential: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome James to Nottingham Forest. He’s a player we’ve admired for a long time, and our conversations with Manchester City, James, his family and his representatives over the past month have been incredibly constructive. After captaining England to the U21 European Championship title, James took some time to reflect on his next step—and we’re thrilled he’s chosen Forest.”
McAtee’s journey began at Manchester City’s academy, which he joined at the under-11 level. He excelled throughout the youth ranks, contributing to FA Youth Cup success in 2020 and earning the EDS (Elite Development Squad) Players’ Player of the Year award in 2021.
He made his senior debut in September 2021 in the EFL Cup, later earning his Premier League debut the same year.
Notable moments include a hat-trick in the FA Cup’s third round against Salford City in January 2025 and his first Champions League goal in October of the same year, when he scored against Slovan Bratislava.
Prior to his move, McAtee had enjoyed two productive loan spells at Sheffield United, showcasing his maturity and consistency in both the Championship and Premier League.
Nottingham Forest secured a spot in the Europa League following the dismissal of Crystal Palace’s appeal by the Court of Arbitration for Sport—a decision that granted Forest entry into Europe’s second-tier tournament.
Manager Nuno Espírito Santo and the club’s hierarchy made no secret of their intent to strengthen their squad, especially in midfield, to compete on multiple fronts.
McAtee adds not just potential but European experience—having featured in five Champions League matches for City last season—and international pedigree, having captained England to U21 European Championship glory.
Forest’s acquisition wasn’t without its challenges. The club reportedly fended off interest from German sides, including Eintracht Frankfurt, but ultimately McAtee’s desire for regular first-team football and European competition swayed him—or so Ross Wilson’s statement suggests, indicating Forest’s long-term admiration and persuasive negotiations.
McAtee will arrive at the City Ground as part of a rejuvenated midfield, expected to slot into either a No. 8 or No. 10 role.
His move follows Forest’s substantial summer spending spree, which includes club-record signing Omari Hutchinson and other high-profile acquisitions, signaling intent to challenge domestically and in Europe.
He departs Manchester City after 11 years of development, having seen limited Premier League starts—three in the 2024–25 season—but participated in 27 matches overall and scored seven goals, underlining his readiness for a larger, consistent role.