EXCLUSIVE: Everton hold talks with Man City star James McAtee

Steve Kay

• 11 Jul 2025 17:00 BST
• 3 min read

Exclusive

Everton are eager to finalise a deal for Manchester City midfielder James McAtee after holding talks with his representatives on Wednesday, FootballTransfers understands.

The 22-year-old, who played a key role in England’s victory at the U21 European Championship in June, is wanted by several clubs across Europe, but Everton have emerged as one of the frontrunners for his signature.

Current ETV

James McAtee

AM (C), M (CR)

Man City

James McAtee

AM (C), M (CR)

Man City

€20.6M

ETV Range

€18.5M - €22.7M

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McAtee only started three Premier League games for Man City last season and he is open to leaving the Etihad Stadium this summer in search of more regular game time.

FootballTransfers has been informed that McAtee’s representatives held talks with both Everton and West Ham United this week as they battle to secure his services ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.

While talks remain at an early stage, sources close to the negotiations indicate that Everton made a strong impression on McAtee after presenting a clear long-term project to the midfielder.

The Toffees have already completed the signings of Villarreal forward Thierno Barry and Flamengo midfielder Carlos Alcaraz so far this summer, for a combined fee of €45 million, while star defender Jarrad Branthwaite has penned a new contract until 2030.

Furthermore, McAtee has deep ties to the blue half of Merseyside as his great-uncle, Alan Ball Jr., is an Everton legend, having made over 250 appearances for the club and helping them win the First Division title back in 1970.

James McAtee expected to leave Man City

West Ham continue to push hard for the playmaker’s signature, however, and we understand that an unnamed Bundesliga club also negotiated with McAtee’s representatives on Wednesday.

Graham Potter’s side are hopeful that their own ambitious sporting project, combined with the lure of London life, will persuade McAtee to snub Everton in favour of a move to the capital.

Man City are believed to value McAtee at around €34.7m (£30m), and while they are yet to receive a formal offer, negotiations are expected to intensify over the next few weeks.