Manchester United have found out the amount they will need to cough up to finalise a controversial swoop for Manchester City midfielder James McAtee.
United exploring midfield reinforcements
United are planning a major squad overhaul this summer following a disappointing 2024/25 campaign that saw them finish 15th in the Premier League.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are keen to mould the squad to reflect Ruben Amorim’s football philosophy, and while much of the focus so far has been on strengthening the attack, reinforcements in the middle of the park could also be on the agenda.
The Red Devils have been linked to a number of midfielders including Ederson (Atalanta), Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), Douglas Luiz (Juventus) and of course, McAtee.
United considering shock swoop for McAtee
A report covered by The Peoples Person in April relayed that United were keeping tabs on McAtee, whose future at City is increasingly uncertain.
McAtee played 27 times for City last season, scoring seven goals in that period.
He also played a pivotal role for the England U21 side that successfully defended their European Championship title this summer, scoring in the quarter-final against Spain and providing an assist in the final.
With competition for places at the Etihad extremely stiff, even more so after the additions of Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki, there is an acceptance that McAtee may have to leave for the sake of his own career.
In addition to United, Nottingham Forest and Bayer Leverkusen have also been mentioned as interested parties in the 22-year-old.
Now, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed how much City want to sanction a sale.
Romano names City’s price for McAtee
Romano wrote on X, “James McAtee can leave Manchester City this summer for fee around £20/25m.”
“Bundesliga, Premier League and Serie A clubs are showing interest in Euro U21 winner with England as captain.”
“Atalanta are among clubs well informed on his situation.”
🚨🔵 James McAtee can leave Manchester City this summer for fee around £20/25m.
Bundesliga, Premier League and Serie A clubs are showing interest in Euro U21 winner with England as captain.
Atalanta are among clubs well informed on his situation. pic.twitter.com/T6PfON6OIy
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 9, 2025
Valued at £20–25 million, McAtee could prove a shrewd signing, but it remains to be seen whether United would make a move given their fierce rivalry with neighbours City. If a deal were to materialise, it would undoubtedly send shockwaves through English football.
Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
