With the 2025/2026 season fast approaching, the decision-makers at Manchester City may be forced to have several difficult conversations with players with the intention of moving them on.
Manchester City have informed Stefan Ortega to leave and look for another club to continue his footballing career after signing James Trafford from Burnley.
Another player who the Sky Blues have spoken to about an exit is Jack Grealish, who is ready to depart the Etihad Stadium himself.
While City would perhaps not enjoy having these discussions with their players, it is key for Pep Guardiola to have a squad in place that he is content with.
RB Leipzig could make a move for James McAtee if Chelsea sign Xavi Simons
It seems like James McAtee has not held a direct conversation with Manchester City about leaving this summer.
However, several clubs are keen on signing the 22-year-old, with McAtee’s suitors including RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund as well as Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany. McAtee visited Eintracht Frankfurt to hold talks about an exit as well.
Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing McAtee as well but the Daily Mail have reported that RB Leipzig could make a move for the Englishman if Chelsea sign Xavi Simons.
Man City’s asking price for James McAtee
Simons could leave RB Leipzig, which would mean the prospect of any club signing him should be a relatively straightforward task in theory at least.
Fabrizio Romano revealed earlier this week that Chelsea are in advanced talks to sign the Dutch international, with personal terms expected to be agreed with the player as well.
Manchester City value McAtee similarly to Cole Palmer, who joined the Blues for a fee of £40 million (Sky Sports).
As a result, the English giants could rake in a massive fee from the potential sale of the midfielder. McAtee is a quality player and in an ideal world, City would perhaps like to keep him. However, the fact that the youngster opted out of the FIFA Club World Cup by playing in the U-21 European Championship and held transfer talks suggests they have no choice but to sell him.
Only time will tell whether Chelsea complete Simons’ signing, prompting RB Leipzig to knock on Manchester City’s door to secure McAtee’s services.
