Pep Guardiola explains Man City plan for James McAtee after new contract

Pep Guardiola has told James McAtee he has a role to play for Manchester City this season after the youngster signed a new contract this week.

McAtee's future had been the subject of speculation, with his previous City contract ending in 2023 and his prolific form at academy level catching the eye of various clubs.

The Salford-born attacker didn't leave on loan in January, despite reports suggesting there were offers, and two days after the deadline he signed a new deal until 2026.

Reacting to the extension, Guardiola called McAtee a special player, and expressed his delight at the new deal.

The manager denied knowledge of any January loan offers, but told the 19-year-old that the next six months will be important for his development — and that he must be ready if he is needed by the first team.

"Me personally, Txiki [Begiristain] or the club didn't tell me he had an offer for a loan, maybe it happened because he's a special player," Guardiola said.

"These players when we don't have incredible depth, it's not a lot. We cannot forget he's just 19 years old. Develop with us, training every day is so important for him. For these six months he'll stay here, train, maybe we'll need him. In the future we'll see.

"Important is he's fully committed to the club, he's a City supporter, and he loves to be here. We are delighted the confidence we have in him to extend for the years to come."

As well as McAtee, City this week confirmed deals for his academy teammates Oscar Bobb and Josh Wilson-Esbrand, taking the number of players contracted until at least 2026 to double figures.

That forward planning and focus on youth is important for City's ever-evolving squad, Guardiola said, as he hailed the club's proactive decision-making