Man City wonderkid James McAtee, 19, signs new four-year contract after snubbing January transfers in boost to Guardiola
MANCHESTER CITY wonderkid James McAtee has committed his future to the champions by signing a new four-year deal.
McAtee, 19, is highly-rated by Pep Guardiola and made his Premier League debut in November’s 3-0 win against Everton.
McAtee was the subject of several approaches during the January transfer window after entering the final 18 months of his contract.
The likes of Brighton, Rangers, Bournemouth and Swansea all attempted to swoop for the starlet.
And SunSport exclusively revealed last year that Manchester United and Liverpool were keeping tabs.
But McAtee, who has been likened to City legend David Silva, rejected the chance to leave the Etihad.
And he will now fight for his place in Guardiola’s side after penning fresh terms on a new deal.
McAtee beamed: “This is a really proud moment in my career, and I am so grateful to the club for showing their faith in me.
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“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.”
One man who has been impressed with McAtee is United legend Gary Neville.
Speaking after McAtee’s debut against Everton, in which Cole Palmer also starred, Neville said: “It’s not an academy, it’s a cloning system.
“They’re like clones, they’re all the same. It’s almost like David Silva’s left them all behind!”
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