James McAtee is set to leave Manchester City before the 2025 summer transfer window shuts.
The midfielder remained at the Etihad Stadium last season after loan spells at Sheffield United, but did not get the minutes he would have wanted, and it has been decided that the 22-year-old should move on this summer to develop his talent.
It looked like the Man City star was destined to move to Germany this summer, as it would offer him regular Champions League football and the minutes he desires.
McAtee visited Eintracht Frankfurt last month to hear what the Bundesliga club can provide him, and the German outfit have now made a decision regarding the signing of the Englishman.
Eintracht Frankfurt cannot afford James McAtee
Nottingham Forest are McAtee’s most likely destination, but the Premier League club saw a £25m bid for the midfielder rejected by Man City.
The Manchester club are seeking £40m to part ways with McAtee over the coming weeks, and that is a transfer fee Eintracht Frankfurt have decided they are not willing to pay, reports The Athletic.
The report states that Nottingham Forest continue to discuss a deal for the 22-year-old, but Hugo Viana wants more than the £25m they have already offered. Eintracht Frankfurt believe this fee is out of their league and therefore, they will not be pursuing the Englishman any longer.
This £40m price tag is a problem for McAtee as not many clubs will be willing to match it, and they will now be waiting towards the end of the transfer window to see if they can get a better deal out of Man City.
This is a shame for the midfielder, as a move to Frankfurt would have been ideal for his development, but it remains to be seen if any of their Bundesliga rivals arrive with an offer.
John Stones will not be leaving Man City
In addition to McAtee, there has also been speculation around the future of John Stones after the defender experienced a tough campaign last time around due to injuries.
According to The Athletic, despite having one year left on his current deal, the centre-back will not be leaving Man City this summer and instead, will depart in a year once his contract at the Etihad Stadium expires.
Stones has admitted that he wants to remain at Man City for the 25/26 season, and the 31-year-old will now be looking to end his time in Manchester on a high.
