Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has spoken about James McAtee’s future ahead of the Citizens’ Premier League meeting with Everton.
The 22-year-old has come through the Manchester City ranks and has broken into the first-team after spells out on loan.
However, McAtee has struggled for game time this season and it’s only in recent weeks that he has been getting more minutes.
He has made an impact as he scored on his first Premier League start last weekend in the 5-2 win over Crystal Palace.
With McAtee’s contract expiring in 2026 and clubs circling around him, Guardiola has now highlighted his stance on the player’s future.
READ MORE: Pep Guardiola names the ‘terrible’ thing he has to do at Manchester City sometimes
Pep Guardiola would like James McAtee to stay at Manchester City
Guardiola, speaking to the club’s media team, said he would like McAtee to remain at City.
However, Guardiola suggested that he doesn’t know what the future holds for McAtee.
The City manager also said he understands players can be frustrated if they don’t get as many minutes as they would like.
“For the age I would like him to stay,” said Guardiola. “I understand, the players want more minutes I understand that.
“I would like him to stay, he’s an academy player, he knows the patterns, he’s a lovely person, a lovely guy.
“He trains really good, plays in different positions. I like him but with the squad, it’s how we finish and we will see.”
Bundesliga sides Mainz, Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig and Stuttgart were all after McAtee in the January transfer window.
Pep Guardiola discusses James McAtee’s style of play
Guardiola feels that the threat McAtee provides around the opponents’ box is similar to that of fellow City ace Phil Foden.
“Macca has this quality, he could’ve scored four goals [against Palace],” said Guardiola. “He has the ability to create chances, he is there.
“Macca lives close to the box, quite similar to Phil and they are there.
“They have a sense [of goal], it’s difficult to train in the moment the ball is coming and after he didn’t score but it’s fine. As much minutes he plays he will score.”
