Why Manchester City Must Avoid Another Cole Palmer Mistake with James McAtee
At Manchester City, player departures are usually calculated, with the club rarely standing in the way of those seeking new challenges—as long as the right offer arrives. Exceptions have been rare but telling, with Kyle Walker and Bernardo Silva both retained after Pep Guardiola personally fought to keep them.
Now, rumors are swirling that James McAtee has emerged as a top target for West Ham United, who reportedly see the 22-year-old as an ideal replacement for Lucas Paquetá, should the Brazilian move on. While McAtee’s lack of minutes this season might suggest he’s surplus to requirements, selling him now could be a costly mistake for City—one eerily reminiscent of their decision to offload Cole Palmer.
The Cole Palmer Lesson
Let’s not forget the uproar when City sanctioned Cole Palmer’s transfer to Chelsea for £42.5 million last year. The academy graduate, struggling for opportunities at the Etihad, has since blossomed into one of the Premier League’s brightest stars. His performances at Stamford Bridge have been nothing short of a revelation.
Now, many City fans look back at Palmer’s departure as one of the club’s biggest missteps in recent memory. Allowing McAtee, dubbed the “Salford Silva”, to follow a similar path could haunt City yet again.
McAtee’s Talent and Potential Role at City
Pep Guardiola has previously described McAtee as “special,” and his skillset fits seamlessly into City’s style of play. Yet, his minutes this season have been surprisingly limited, especially given City’s occasional struggles to break down defensive sides in the Premier League.
While West Ham might reportedly be willing to pay over £20 million for McAtee, City fans would hope the club demands far more for a player with such potential. However, the real question is whether City should even consider selling him.
McAtee’s path to the first team could open dramatically next season. Kevin De Bruyne, linked with San Diego FC, may be nearing the end of his City tenure. Similarly, Bernardo Silva has flirted with leaving for years and could finally depart. These potential exits create a void McAtee could fill—if City are patient.
Loan, Not Sell
City’s best course of action is clear: loan McAtee, don’t sell him. A temporary move could provide the game time he needs to develop without severing ties permanently. Selling him now, as they did with Palmer, risks watching another academy gem thrive elsewhere while City regret their impatience.
As the January transfer window looms, City must tread carefully. History—and Cole Palmer’s Chelsea success—should remind Guardiola and the club that sometimes, keeping faith in youth pays dividends. For a talent like McAtee, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
