James McAtee can leave Manchester City this summer for a fee of around £20–25 million, according to Fabrizio Romano.
With that news now confirmed, West Ham United have a golden chance to move fast and make a statement, especially with uncertainty growing around the future of Mohammed Kudus.
Last week, WestHamZone reported that the club were “strongly considering” McAtee as a potential Kudus replacement. Now, with City open to business and the price tag clear, West Ham could act quickly if they’re serious about bringing in the 21-year-old midfielder.
Kudus Attracting Strong Interest from Spurs and Chelsea
Mohammed Kudus continues to be targeted by top Premier League sides, with Tottenham thought to be leading the race according a series of reports over the last week. Since then, it seems that talks have somewhat stalled and that deal may not be progressing any further. Chelsea are still in the mix too, although neither club has triggered the £85 million release clause just yet.
Even without a formal bid on the table, the feeling within the club is that it’s only a matter of time. Hammers staff are already preparing for big-money interest to turn into actual offers. Reports have even labelled Kudus’ exit as “inevitable.”
Still, both Spurs and Chelsea have shown reluctance to pay the full clause, which could delay movement. But any sign of a budging stance would likely force West Ham to act quickly on McAtee while he’s still available.
Related Article: Reports Emerge of West Ham Interest in Lookman to Replace Kudus
McAtee Fits West Ham’s Profile and Potter’s Vision
With Kudus looking more and more likely to go, attention inside the club is likely to shift firmly toward James McAtee. The Manchester City talent spent last season developing with limited but promising Premier League minutes, and West Ham believe he ticks the boxes for Graham Potter’s style.
Though he only featured in 342 league minutes in 2023/24, McAtee still managed to bag three goals and showed glimpses of top-level technical quality. At just 21, he’s viewed as a smart long-term investment who fits the possession-driven model Potter wants to build.
Pressure Mounts As Transfer Window Picks Up
With Kudus edging toward the door and other clubs stepping up their early summer moves, West Ham’s sluggish start is causing concern. WestHamZone has already reported frustration behind the scenes, with doubts creeping in over whether Graham Potter will be backed properly.
The feeling is that signing someone like McAtee now would relieve some of that pressure and signal intent. With a potential Kudus sale freeing up as much as £85 million, West Ham could make McAtee their first proper move and still have room to strengthen elsewhere.
The opportunity is clear. Pay the money, make the move, and show they won’t be left behind.
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