Manchester City midfielder on the radar of Rangers FC

Manchester City academy prospect James McAtee could leave this month. This comes as per the Daily Mail.

McAtee, 19, is one of the leading prospects in the Manchester City academy and has been a vital player for the Cityzens in the Premier League 2, Division1, this season. The 19-year-old has managed to score 14 goals from 15 appearances while also managing to register 4 assists.

The English talent is being scouted by the likes of Queens Park Rangers and Scottish giants, Rangers FC. As per the source, Rangers have enquired about the 19-year-old midfielder from Salford.

The source also understands that Swansea City and Rangers are leading the race to sign McAtee on loan before the end of this month. The understanding is that City have to make a decision over the future of McAtee. 

Swansea City and Rangers both employ possession-based football style which is why the Cityzens could let go of the 19-year-old for his further development.

Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst is said to be a friend of Pep Guardiola and that could play into the hands of the defending Scottish champions. Rangers are currently sitting at the top of the pile in the Scottish Premiership.

Premier League rivals Leicester City, Aston Villa, and Brighton are also said to be keeping a watch on McAtee, Mail reports. With that said, however, a Premier League switch for the ‘Salford Silva’ is looking unlikely at this stage, with the League heating up and entering its most crucial and final stages.

Bronckhorst and Guardiola share a similar philosophy of how football is to be played and the environment at Rangers could be a simulation for the English talent.

Pep Guardiola though, has been in favor of the youngster being in and around the first team to learn as much as possible. With the player’s contract set to expire in 2023, the Sky Blues may have to send him out on loan in order for him to find minutes if they are to renew him. The player wants to play at the highest level and potentially, follow the footsteps of fellow Academy graduate, Phil Foden.

It remains to be seen what Manchester City decide when it comes to sending McAtee out on loan. It would be wise to send the 19-year-old to either Swansea City or Rangers because while he may not be a starter, he is bound to get minutes to spend on the pitch.

McAtee is potentially a vital piece in City’s puzzle for the future and it would be a good decision to loan him out.