ExWHUEmployee has continued his run of transfer updates with fresh information linking Manchester City midfielder James McAtee with a potential move to West Ham United.
While Ex didn’t go into too much detail, he noted that the Hammers “like” McAtee, who is expected to be surplus to requirements at the Etihad next season.
The 22-year-old Salford-born midfielder is reportedly keen to secure regular first-team football, which Pep Guardiola cannot guarantee. That makes a move away from City increasingly likely this summer.
Crucially, West Ham’s interest in McAtee could open the door to some creative transfer dealings, especially if City remain serious about signing Lucas Paquetá.
As Claret & Hugh reported back in February, Paquetá is ready to join Manchester City should he be acquitted of betting charges—and that move could now align with West Ham’s interest in McAtee.
With both clubs facing Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) pressures, a dual deal involving mutually beneficial inflated fees could help ease financial strain while meeting regulatory requirements.
Such a move wouldn’t solve West Ham’s cash flow issues, but from a PSR accounting perspective, it could be an effective workaround.
McAtee, who has impressed during his loan spells at Sheffield United, could be seen as a long-term creative option in the Hammers midfield—especially if Paquetá departs.
I’d like one person to explain, with statistics and facts, what our position is with regards to PSR. It keeps getting bandied around with one day it being an issue, the next day not.
Please can someone write a clear and concise article, with figures and caveats if needs be, that clarifies?
Trouble is that one answer generates another twenty questions. Concise article would become a tome making War and Peace look skinny.
PSR is only an issue to those involved.
Sorry Buddy.
Paqueta is a gem of a player & whu should look to build the midfield around him, with the likes of McAtee and others who have been mentioned. How many times are WHU going to have the Brazil team playmaker on their books and how will all these youngsters fare without him to direct & pull the strings? If he really wants to leave, should be in one season’s time to a CL club for a better fee than now, after he will have helped tremendously with the transitional 25/26 season & PL survival (hopefully more, but depends on manager).
It’s all ifs and buts until the Paqueta saga is finally over, one way or the other. Until then it looks like the speculation will never end!