What's next for McAtee amid the uncertainty over Anderson?

Just 12 months ago, James McAtee was leading the England U21 team to Euro 2025 glory. He lifted the trophy as captain in Bratislava after a dramatic extra-time victory against Germany to secure a second successive title for the Young Lions. Alongside him was Nottingham Forest teammate Elliot Anderson, who was also named in the team of the tournament.

Anderson has since become a key player for England manager Thomas Tuchel, helping his side to victory in their World Cup opener against Croatia on Wednesday. Manchester City - McAtee's former club - had two bids rejected for Anderson, the last worth £120 million, which would have made him the most expensive English player in history.

In contrast, McAtee struggled to get noticed in his debut season at the City Ground, struggling to gain minutes under Forest's four managers. So what will next season look like for the 23-year-old?

The belief that the talented McAtee will shine

At the City Ground, there is a belief that it is only a matter of time before McAtee finds his rhythm despite the difficulties. He remains part of Vitor Pereira's plans for next season, and one source believes he will "explode" given his natural ability.

With much enthusiasm from fans, McAtee arrived on a five-year contract worth around £30 million, weeks after winning Euro 2025. The development of Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White was a selling point – the idea that McAtee could be next off the production line.

He was part of Forest's £180m raid but made just two Premier League debuts last season, while Gibbs-White secured the number 10 position, scoring 18 goals and almost making the World Cup squad.

Had Gibbs-White joined Tottenham, the season could have turned out very differently. McAtee played just 287 minutes in the club's successful fight against relegation and started nine of Forest's 16 Europa League games as they reached the semi-finals.

He played 50 minutes under Nuno Espírito Santo, who was sacked three games after his signing, 161 minutes during Ange Postecoglou's brief spell and 441 minutes under Sean Dyche. Under Pereira, McAtee clocked up 378 minutes in all competitions.

He has made just one assist and is yet to score in the league for Forest, having scored a penalty in the Europa League, while his best return was nine goals in the Championship while on loan at Sheffield United.

Last season's accumulated frustrations lit a flame, so much so that earning a call-up to Euro 2028 became a goal - and he is still highly respected within the international structure.


McAtee, who is based at the City Ground, had a week off at the end of the season and has since trained every day using a specific program designed by Forest and his personal fitness trainer. He has added more strength and conditioning work and is expected to return for pre-season in great shape.

His fitness was briefly questioned by Dyche last season, but during a running exercise, McAtee came second in the group, earning praise from the former Everton manager, who apologized for having doubted him.from him.

It's a characteristic of him to stay focused. Despite limited time on the field, McAtee was credited with not shying away from the challenge and demonstrating humility. In training, he is described as polite and is noted for his work ethic, willingness to improve and how he treats players, staff and others equally.

McAtee's game intelligence is also valued, being seen as a player who finds solutions on the field before others do. There is a feeling that he is still developing and, with a good pre-season, there is an expectation that he will be able to fight for a place.

The onus will fall on McAtee to establish himself, but Pereira's fluid style of play also suits his characteristics. Internal comparisons have been made with Bernardo Silva - both players can be considered defensively fragile, but capable of producing decisive moments.

There is empathy for the lack of minutes, which has prevented the former Sheffield United loanee from making his mark consistently. Given Forest's chaotic season, with manager changes, relegation battles and a deep run in Europe, there has been little opportunity for McAtee to get into the swing of things.

New signings Dan Ndoye and Dilane Bakwa may have similar complaints, meaning there is more pressure to perform in sporadic appearances than being allowed to find a rhythm playing regularly.

But among players who played less than 300 minutes in the elite, McAtee - with 287 minutes - made the most ball passes, 47 from a distance of 560 meters, and created the most chances (six). This is evidence that, with more minutes, his production will increase and there is a conviction that he will impact games next season.

Anderson - who has a close relationship with McAtee in the England squad - was Forest's driving force in their fight for survival last season and will be greatly missed if, as expected, City finally agree a deal to take him to the Etihad Stadium.

He does his best work from a deep position while McAtee moves forward, so there is no pressure on him to fill the gap left by Anderson's departure. A young English talent is set to leave the club, but Forest still have another in McAtee.

He will be encouraged to follow his own path, even if his current journey at the City Ground has been anything but smooth.

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