James McAtee Agrees Deal with Nottingham Forest Following Reported Feud with Pep Guardiola
Nottingham Forest have pulled off a major coup in the summer transfer window with Manchester City midfielder James McAtee agreeing to join the Reds, following what sources describe as a growing rift between the player and Pep Guardiola.
The 22-year-old playmaker has long been tipped for greatness after a string of eye-catching performances on loan at Sheffield United and in City’s cup campaigns. But his latest omission from the matchday squad in Manchester City’s FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace appears to have been the final straw in a turbulent relationship with Guardiola.
Forest have wasted no time in capitalising on the situation, agreeing a deal in principle worth around £28 million — a fee believed to be lower than City’s original asking price of £35 million. Personal terms were swiftly finalised, with McAtee understood to have signed a four-year contract that will see him become one of the highest earners at the City Ground.
Speaking to close confidants after his snub on Saturday, McAtee is said to have expressed frustration with Guardiola’s decision-making and lack of trust in younger players during key moments. The attacking midfielder was not only left out of the starting XI but was entirely absent from the bench, despite shining in earlier rounds of the competition.
“It’s been building for some time,” a source familiar with the situation revealed. “James has worked hard, impressed in training, and delivered when called upon. But the final snub was the tipping point. He wants to feel valued, and Forest offered him just that — a chance to play regularly, take on responsibility, and grow.”
Forest boss Nuno Espírito Santo is said to be a huge admirer of McAtee’s versatility and technical ability. With uncertainty continuing to surround the future of Morgan Gibbs-White, Nuno was keen to bring in a creative talent capable of influencing games in the final third — and McAtee fit the bill perfectly.
“James is a player we’ve monitored for some time,” Nuno said in a brief club statement. “He brings quality, intelligence, and a hunger to prove himself at the highest level. We’re delighted he’s chosen to be part of what we’re building here.”
The move has sparked excitement among Forest supporters, many of whom see McAtee as a statement signing as the club looks to establish itself more firmly in the Premier League. After a season in which squad depth and attacking spark proved problematic, the arrival of a young, ambitious playmaker is seen as a vital step forward.
McAtee is expected to be unveiled officially by the club next week, with medicals already scheduled and City ready to greenlight the transfer after his formal request to leave was submitted earlier this week.
“I’ve made this decision because I want to play, I want to compete, and I want to grow,” McAtee told friends. “Forest showed faith in me when I needed it most. Now it’s time to repay that trust.”
