Contract terms, interested clubs, first reactions: James McAtee re-joins Sheffield United on loan

Sheffield United have confirmed the signing of Manchester City midfielder James McAtee on a season-long loan.

The 20-year-old returns to Bramall Lane after helping Sheffield United achieve promotion to the Premier League last season, where the midfielder made 43 appearances and was directly involved in 13 goals.

McAtee was also named as Sheffield United’s Young Player of the Season, and returns to the south Yorkshire club after months of speculation surrounding the future of the Salford-born Manchester City academy graduate.

The England U21 international featured during Manchester City’s 3-0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor last month, and has been an unused substitute on four occasions for Pep Guardiola’s side.

McAtee didn’t feature during Manchester City’s late 2-1 win against the Blades last weekend, as Rodri scored an 88th minute winner at Bramall Lane to maintain the Sky Blues’ perfect start to the Premier League campaign.

The midfielder is the latest Manchester City player to complete a Deadline Day exit, and here is everything you need to know about the transfer!

What are the terms of the James McAtee to Sheffield United Deal?

James McAtee has completed a season-long loan move to Sheffield United, with the Blades paying the full wages of the 20-year-old, according to BBC Journalist Mike Minay.

The midfielder’s deal does not include the option for Sheffield United to buy the player next summer.

Who else was interested in signing James McAtee?

A series of clubs across England and Europe were interested in signing McAtee this summer, including; Wolves, Brighton, Real Sociedad, Southampton, Celtic, Ajax and AZ Alkmaar.

What has James McAtee said upon re-joining Sheffield United?

Upon completing a return to Bramall Lane, McAtee said: “I’m excited to be back and I can’t wait to get back out onto the pitch.

“It has been very last-minute, I’ve kept my head down, trained hard at City and waited to see what was happening.

“I think the emotional connection with the club and the opportunity to play in the Premier League were big factors in me coming back.

“I got a warm welcome last week when I came back with City – thanks to all the fans for that – and it was a great game. I had mixed emotions, it was a special atmosphere, I was telling my mates about the Greasy Chip Butty song.”