Several Massive Bundesliga Clubs ‘Vying’ to Sign £25m Midfielder Previously Linked with Celtic and Rangers
The race is heating up in Germany, as several of the Bundesliga’s biggest clubs are reportedly “vying” to secure the signature of a highly-rated £25 million-rated midfielder who was previously on the radar of Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers.
According to sources close to the situation, James McAtee, the 22-year-old Manchester City talent, is at the centre of a transfer tug-of-war involving Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Bayer Leverkusen, all of whom have made inquiries in recent weeks. The English U21 international has just one year remaining on his contract at the Etihad Stadium and is widely expected to depart in search of regular first-team football.
While Scottish Premiership sides Celtic and Rangers were previously linked with loan approaches for McAtee last season, it now appears that the midfielder’s rising valuation and continental reputation have taken him firmly beyond the financial reach of clubs north of the border. The Premier League champions are believed to have set a price tag of £25 million, and they are open to including a buy-back clause in any permanent deal — a strategy they have employed with young talents in the past.
McAtee’s technical ability, vision, and attacking instincts have made him one of the most sought-after young midfielders in Europe. His impressive stints on loan at Sheffield United and regular involvement in City’s first-team training setup have only strengthened the belief that he is ready for a full-time breakthrough.
German clubs are now lining up to offer him that opportunity.
A source from the Dortmund camp told Kicker: “We see McAtee as a player with huge upside. He would thrive in a system that gives him freedom in the final third, and we are convinced the Bundesliga is the perfect league for him to develop further.”
RB Leipzig, who have a long-standing strategy of acquiring young, high-potential talents and selling them on at a profit, are also said to be preparing a formal bid. Meanwhile, Eintracht Frankfurt are keen to reinforce their midfield as they aim to push for a Champions League place next season, and Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly exploring McAtee as a potential successor to Florian Wirtz, should the German star make a big-money move abroad.
McAtee himself is understood to be open to the idea of playing in Germany, with the pathway offered to English players in recent years — including Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho — acting as clear evidence of success abroad. His representatives are reportedly prioritizing a move that guarantees consistent minutes at a high level rather than simply joining the highest bidder.
With pre-season about to begin, all interested parties are hoping to wrap up a deal in the coming weeks. As the race tightens, one thing is clear: the fight for McAtee is far from over, and the Bundesliga appears to be his next destination.
