Tottenham Hotspur are moving quickly to reinforce their midfield after the devastating news that James Maddison will miss most of the season with an ACL injury.
According to TBR Football, Spurs have stepped up their pursuit of Manchester City’s James McAtee, with Pep Guardiola willing to sanction the 22-year-old’s departure for around £40 million.
Why McAtee is Available
McAtee featured 27 times for City last season, netting seven goals across all competitions. However, the arrival of Rayan Cherki from Lyon has pushed him down the pecking order. With just one year left on his contract, City risk losing him for free in 2026 unless a renewal is agreed—making this summer the ideal time to cash in.
A Strong Fit for Spurs
Technically gifted and composed in tight spaces, McAtee excels at threading passes through packed defences and making intelligent late runs into the box. His dribbling and vision could help fill the creative void left by Maddison’s injury, while also offering a potential long-term successor for the 28-year-old, whose fitness record remains a concern.
Tottenham may also see leverage in negotiations given McAtee’s contractual situation. The promise of regular Premier League minutes under Ange Postecoglou could make personal terms straightforward to finalise.
What’s Next
While a deal may not be completed in time for Spurs’ UEFA Super Cup clash next week, there’s optimism that McAtee could be available for their Premier League opener against Burnley. If secured, the move would not only address an immediate problem but also add a promising young playmaker to the squad’s future core.
