Who is James McAtee? All you need to know about the Man City prospect aiming to impress Pep Guardiola

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After two years out on loan, James McAtee is aiming to claim his own spot at Manchester City in 2024/25.

Often spoken about with the same reverence as Phil Foden was at the same age, James McAtee rose through every youth level at Manchester City with rapid progress.

The creative midfielder made his senior debut for Pep Guardiola’s side in the 6-1 League Cup win over Wycombe Wanderers in November, 2021, but has only made five more appearances in the years since.

McAtee spent the last two seasons on loan at Sheffield United, first playing a crucial role in their return to the Premier League but then being unable to stop them from going straight back down.

Yet, McAtee still had an impressive debut top flight campaign despite being in a poor side and has returned to City eager to become a first-teamer.

Now 21 and with just two years remaining on his contract, it’s time to prove he can be just that and here is everything you need to know about City’s hopeful prospect.

• READ MORE: Who is Phil Foden? Inside the life of Man City’s ‘Stockport Iniesta’

How old is James McAtee?

James John McAtee was born on October 18, 2002, in Salford, England, and is from Walkden.

As of February 2025, he is 22 years old.

James McAtee height and weight

McAtee is 5’9″ (180cm) and weighs 72kg, according to TNT Sports. He uses his slight frame to glide past players on the ball and advance up the pitch.

James McAtee brother

City’s promising playmaker is the younger brother of striker John McAtee, who has moved closer to Manchester after signing for Bolton Wanderers from Luton Town.

Speaking to the MEN in 2023, John explained how the pair help each other get through challenging moments in their careers.

“When you look at how we’ve got to where we are, it’s very different but that’s helped a lot. I’ve had quite a bit of adversity,” said John.

“When he’s had a bit of that – not a lot – I’ve kind of gone through those and overcome them. He’s doing that right now.

“He had a couple of bad games at the start of the season but looks like a different person completely. We can help each other. We don’t really talk when things are going well. We speak a lot more when it’s not going well, to check we’re all right.

“As the older brother, I feel I’m a bit more entitled to do that than he would naturally. He does it as well. I just want to see him do well.”

Instagram and X/Twitter accounts

James McAtee has an official Instagram account with 133k followers which you can find @jamesmcatee_.

He doesn’t appear to have an official X, formerly Twitter account.

James McAtee’s Man City future and transfer status

McAtee has impressed during City’s pre-season tour of the USA and earned high praise from Guardiola, who said he wanted to keep him for forthcoming season.

“I would love to have, to keep him [James McAtee] next season with us, because he’s a special guy to play in small spaces, in the pockets, and we don’t have many,” Guardiola said.

“When you play in the Premier League in a team fighting to not be relegated (Sheffield United), you get something special… I am curious to see Macca especially. He’s a player I have a high, high opinion of, and I would like if he can insert properly with the team.”

It’s still possible McAtee could head back on loan again before the transfer window closes but he looks likely to stay for the year.

James McAtee wages and salary

McAtee currently earns £15,000 a week at City, which sees him bring home £780k a year before tax.

James McAtee stats

Man City stats

Sheffield United stats

International stats

Trophies and honours

Man City trophies

• x1 UEFA Super Cup – 2024
• x1 FA Youth Cup – 2019/20
• x1 Community Shield – 2024

Individual honours

• Manchester City EDS Players’ Player of the Year – 2021–22
• Premier League 2 Player of the Month – August 2021
• Premier League 2 Player of the Season – 2021–22
• Sheffield United Young Player of the Year – 2022–23