Wolves Eye £25M English Sensation as Harvey Elliott Alternative – Ex-Boss Julen Lopetegui’s Longtime Target Could Finally Land at Molineux in Stunning Summer Transfer Twist!

Wolves Could Land £25M Man City Star Once Wanted by Lopetegui as Cheaper Harvey Elliott Alternative in Summer Shake-Up

Wolves are bracing for a major summer reshuffle in their attacking department—and with Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott carrying a steep price tag, the club may revisit a familiar target: Manchester City’s James McAtee.

The Midlands club are expected to lose several key forwards during the upcoming transfer window. Matheus Cunha could be sold if his release clause is triggered, while Pablo Sarabia’s expiring contract means his departure is likely. Gonçalo Guedes, Hwang Hee-chan, and Carlos Forbs are also potential exits, leaving Wolves with a gaping hole in their offensive setup, particularly in the forward and attacking midfield positions.

Elliott is reportedly on Wolves’ radar, but Liverpool’s £40 million valuation makes any deal unlikely, given Wolves’ traditionally conservative spending. That’s where McAtee emerges as a compelling—and more affordable—option. Manchester City are reportedly open to letting the 22-year-old leave for around £25 million, significantly under Elliott’s fee.

McAtee isn’t a new name to Wolves. Back in 2023, the club made a move for him under then-manager Julen Lopetegui, who was an admirer of the young midfielder’s creative flair and attacking instincts. However, the move didn’t materialize, and McAtee instead went on loan to Sheffield United. Lopetegui would later exit Molineux just days before the 2023–24 season began, frustrated by the club’s transfer activity.

Now, with McAtee gaining first-team experience at Manchester City—including 27 appearances this season and 7 goals—Wolves might be wise to reignite their interest. Despite limited starts, Pep Guardiola has praised McAtee’s natural ability to get into scoring positions, likening him to Phil Foden in his instinctive attacking play. Guardiola, while hopeful McAtee stays, may be willing to sell as part of City’s summer squad revamp.

Wolves could face competition, however. Nottingham Forest, West Ham, Crystal Palace, and even Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen are monitoring the situation. But with a past history of deals between Wolves and City—such as Matheus Nunes moving to the Etihad and Tommy Doyle heading the other way—Molineux may be a realistic landing spot for McAtee.

Given the similarities in play style between McAtee and Elliott, and the significantly lower cost, Wolves may well find themselves with a ready-made alternative—one they once came close to signing already.