Kevin De Bruyne’s future at Manchester City is currently uncertain. The 32-year-old Belgian midfielder, who was linked with a potentially lucrative move to Saudi Arabia during the recent transfer window, has less than a year remaining on his current contract.
After City’s 3-1 victory over West Ham last Saturday, De Bruyne commented on the speculation surrounding his future, stating that he has not been “entertained” by rumors suggesting he might leave the club. He also indicated confidence that discussions over a potential new contract would take place in the coming weeks.
While it appears that De Bruyne is inclined to remain at City, manager Pep Guardiola must still consider plans for a future without the influential midfielder. The club might look to recruit a new attacking midfielder to eventually replace De Bruyne, or they could opt to promote from within, with 21-year-old James McAtee showing promise as a potential successor.
McAtee, who spent the past two seasons on loan at Sheffield United, was the subject of considerable transfer interest over the summer. However, Guardiola was keen to retain him, having been impressed by his performances during City’s pre-season tour of the United States.
The City boss expressed a clear intention to keep McAtee involved with the first team this season, providing him opportunities to prove himself. This trust was evident during the Community Shield, where McAtee played 80 minutes and stood out in City’s penalty shootout victory over Manchester United.
Since then, McAtee has made just one Premier League appearance, coming off the bench in City’s win against Ipswich last month. However, he has gained valuable playing time with England’s Under-21 squad during the international break.
McAtee started in a 0-0 draw against Northern Ireland on Friday and was named in the starting XI for a friendly against Austria at Luton’s Kenilworth Road on Monday evening.
McAtee delivered an outstanding performance for the young Lions, operating in the No.10 role typically occupied by De Bruyne, just behind the striker. His energetic pressing led to England being awarded a penalty in the first half. After Tyler Morton won possession,
McAtee drove into the penalty area and was brought down, allowing Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers to score the opening goal from the spot. Although Austria equalized before half-time, England continued to dominate possession, with McAtee playing a crucial role in their attacking play.
Early in the second half, McAtee contributed to England regaining the lead by cleverly nudging Samuel Iling Jr’s pass into the path of Rogers, who finished with a precise shot into the bottom corner.
McAtee then added his own name to the scoresheet just before the hour mark. A sharp, drilled cross from Newcastle’s Lewis Hall found McAtee in space, and he volleyed the ball first-time into the corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
Following his impressive display, McAtee was substituted in the 72nd minute for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson. In his time on the pitch, McAtee had 53 touches, completed 31 accurate passes, delivered four key passes, was fouled three times, and took two shots on target.
While the level of competition may not match what City faces in the Premier League, Champions League, or domestic cups, McAtee demonstrated his ability to play effectively in an advanced midfield role.
Given his age and potential, Guardiola could consider giving McAtee more opportunities to establish himself as a long-term replacement for De Bruyne.
