Dortmund chases McATee: Will the city star become the new playmaker?

Dortmund chases McATee: Will the city star become the new playmaker?

On January 3, 2025, there will be news about transfer activities in the Bundesliga, especially in relation to the talented playmaker James Mcateee from Manchester City. Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen show lively interest in the 22-year-old, who plays for the English U21 national team.

The interest of Borussia Dortmund is not new because the club has had positive experiences with young talents from the Manchester City youth academy in the past. Jadon Sancho was signed by Dortmund in 2017 and switched to Manchester United for a proud 85 million euros in 2021. Another example is Jamie Gitten, who scored 14 scorer points this season and also arouses the interest of FC Bayern Munich.

James Mcatee and his perspectives

Mcateee has already completed nine missions with a total of 357 minutes of play this season, including three times in the Premier League. Due to his low playing time, he expressed the desire to get more possible uses, while Manchester City has no plans to release him in winter. In the future, however, City could request a high amount for McATEE, comparable to the transfer of Cole Palmer, which switched to Chelsea in 2023 for 47 million euros.

Although Dortmund and Leverkusen are examining opportunities to oblige McATEEe either in January with a purchase option or with a firm commitment in summer, Bayer Leverkusen also makes considerations to prepare for the possible departure of Florian Wirtz. Wirtz apparently takes into account an extension of the contract, but could bring in a transfer of over 100 million euros.

The situation around McATEE is exciting because other Premier League clubs such as Nottingham Forest, West Ham United, Brentford and Crystal Palace have also registered interest. At the time of 18 months at Manchester City, the player faces a decisive phase of his career, in which he wants a regular season.