The case of James McAtee so far this season has been a curious one. It is clear that he is highly rated at Manchester City. Having spent the last two seasons on loan at Sheffield United, it looked like he would get his chance to impress with the world champions this season. But so far this McAtee hasn’t had it opportunity to impress. But going forward, one gets the impression that if Manchester City want to keep McAtee at some point, he has to play. He can’t sit around forever waiting for an opportunity to impress.

Pete O’Rourke has reported for Football Insider that Manchester City are unwilling to sell James McAtee in January. O’Rourke adds that the world champions do not want to weaken their squad during the January transfer window. In addition, O’Rourke adds that West Ham have an interest in signing McAtee. Finally, O’Rourke reports that despite McAtee’s lack of opportunities at Manchester City this season, he is highly regarded at the club.

READ MORE: Young Manchester City midfielder linked with a move to West Ham and it might be for the best.

With O’Rourke’s report suggesting City are reluctant to sell McAtee, it appears he will remain at the club this season. Unless he demands a transfer in January, it seems unlikely that he will leave the club. That scenario leads to the next part of the equation. If Manchester City want to keep McAtee, he needs to start playing on a more regular basis.

So far this season, McAtee has made just 6 appearances in all competitions. His only starts have been in the Carabao Cup and the FA Community Shield. If McAtee is going to develop as a player, he needs to play. Training with Pep Guardiola’s squad and honing his craft under Guardiola will help McAtee’s development. But playing in Manchester City’s first team is what McAtee needs. At some point it has to happen so he can show if he belongs at the club or not. If McAtee is not given that opportunity, it may be best for his young career if he leaves the world champions.

In my opinion, if Manchester City want to keep McAtee, he has to play. Manchester City’s midfield looks like it could do with an injection of youth. Perhaps McAtee can be the player to inject that ingredient into City’s engine room. But sitting around waiting for a chance to play isn’t helping McAtee’s game grow. So if Manchester City want to keep McAtee, he needs to play more often. But how he can become a more regular player in Pep Guardiola’s side remains to be seen.