Kyle Walker BLOCKS Man City’s latest transfer

Robin Bairner

Updated: 27 Jan 2025 11:38 CST
4 min read

Kyle Walker, Pep Guardiola, Man City — © IMAGO

Manchester City’s busy transfer window is set to continue, but after signing three new players, Pep Guardiola’s side could be about to lose one.

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Promising young midfielder James McAtee is close to leaving the club for Bayer Leverkusen, Sky Sports reports, yet there is a doubt over the form the deal might assume.

Leverkusen are reportedly eager for a loan transfer with a €25 million purchase option to be put in place, yet there are serious concerns over whether this will be possible.

Kyle Walker’s loan move to AC Milan last week was the sixth such deal that Man City have completed this season and have, therefore, reached their maximum in accordance with FIFA rules.

Guardiola’s side had already sent away Kalvin Phillips, Yan Couto, Maximo Perrone, Issa Kabore and Josh Wilson-Esbrand temporarily.

Clubs can only loan out six players at any given time, although those 21 and younger who have been at the club for more than three years do not count towards this figure. McAtee, though a City youth product, turned 22 in October and therefore counts towards the regular allocation.

If Leverkusen want to sign him, either City will need to recall one of their other loan players or the Bundesliga side will have to buy him on a permanent basis.

McAtee at Man City

McAtee has been an active member of Pep Guardiola’s first-team plans but could be collateral damage in the €80 million deal that has brought Egypt international star Omar Marmoush to the Etihad Stadium.

In total, the young Englishman has played 14 times for City this season, offering a very respectable return of five goals in 507 minutes, including a hat-trick against Salford in the FA Cup.

Although little used in the Premier League, City will be fearful of another Cole Palmer situation, whereby they allow an academy product to depart only for them to flourish elsewhere.

Indeed, Guardiola - despite rarely using him - knows very well that he has a special talent in McAtee. He has repeatedly stated that he wants to keep the youngster when quizzed on his future.