James McAtee has ended speculation about his future by signing a new contract at Manchester City.
McAtee, 19, is City's top scorer this season at all levels with an impressive 19 goals and five assists in just 20 appearances. He has impressed against league opposition in the EFL Trophy and made his senior City debut this season in the Carabao Cup against Wycombe.
He has since made his Premier League debut and featured in the FA Cup win at Swindon, as well as featuring on the first team bench a number of times.
His form has reportedly alerted a number of clubs to his availability, with his previous contract expiring in 2023, with Premier League and Championship clubs said to be monitoring the situation - including Manchester United. He was linked with a January move out on loan last month, but has remained at City to train with the first team, as he has done for the last year.
Now, the Salford-born attacking midfielder has ended any talk of leaving City by committing his future to the club until 2026, saying playing for City is all he's ever wanted to do.
“This is a really proud moment in my career, and I am so grateful to the Club for showing their faith in me,” he said.
“I’ve been here since I was 11 and I can’t thank everyone enough for everything they have done for me.
“I have worked with some brilliant coaches in the Academy, who have put me in a position to be able to train and play with Pep Guardiola and the first team, which is all I’ve ever wanted to do.
“I’ve been really pleased with my progress this season and I am sure I am in the right place to keep improving so it feels amazing to know I will be a Manchester City player for another four years.”
Guardiola namechecked McAtee at the start of the season as an academy player who will be regularly involved in the first team, and recently claimed he was one of three players more likely to make the grade from the academy.
