Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of James McAtee was dealt a major blow as Manchester City firmly rejected their approach just days before the transfer deadline.
Tottenham’s transfer business and a near-miss opportunity
Tottenham Hotspur had an active transfer window, bringing in a mix of young talent and experienced players in an attempt to bolster their squad for the rest of the season.
Among their notable acquisitions were Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso, both on loan, alongside promising goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.
While Spurs moved quickly to strengthen in several key areas, their pursuit of another player who could have made a significant difference ultimately fell short.
James McAtee, the highly-rated Manchester City midfielder, was linked with a move to north London, but despite Tottenham’s interest, City made it clear they had no intention of selling.
Manchester City blocked James McAtee move despite interest from Tottenham
Tottenham’s interest in James McAtee came as no surprise given the 22-year-old’s growing reputation. Known for his creativity and composure on the ball, McAtee has been on the radar of several top clubs, and Spurs saw him as a player who could help elevate their midfield.
According to TBR Football, Tottenham enquired about McAtee’s availability shortly before the transfer deadline.
However, Manchester City were resolute in their stance and refused to part ways with the attacking midfielder. Sources informed TBR Football that City turned down bids of up to £30 million from multiple Bundesliga clubs, including Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig, Mainz, and Stuttgart.
Why Manchester City’s stance makes sense
According to the publication, Manchester City’s rejection of bids for Mcatee stems from the fact that they do not want a repeat of the Cole Palmer situation – they fear the young midfielder has immense potential, one they want to keep at the club.
The Athletic has since reported that Manchester City informed Tottenham that no senior player would be sold during the transfer window. This included McAtee, reflecting a firm stance from the club to retain their most promising player, ensuring they continue to develop within the Etihad environment.
For Tottenham, missing out on McAtee will be a disappointment, but the additions of Tel, Danso, and Kinsky could still prove decisive as the season progresses.