---
title: "West Ham hit by fresh McAtee setback after major Forest decision"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2026/07/13/west-ham-hit-by-fresh-mcatee-setback-after-major-forest-decision/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2026-07-13T08:58:30Z"
modified: "2026-07-13T08:58:35Z"
---

# West Ham hit by fresh McAtee setback after major Forest decision

**West Ham United face a potential setback in their pursuit of James McAtee, with the midfielder determined to fight for his Nottingham Forest future.**

The Hammers have shown interest in the 23-year-old as Nuno Espírito Santo looks to add more creativity before the Championship season.

However, [Football Insider reports](https://www.footballinsider247.com/nottingham-forest/oliver-glasner-to-make-james-mcatee-transfer-decision-after-crystal-palace-reveal-orourke) that new Forest head coach Oliver Glasner wants to assess McAtee during pre-season.

McAtee is also eager to stay at the City Ground and earn a place under the Austrian.

The former Manchester City midfielder endured a difficult first season at Forest after joining for around £30m. Limited minutes had raised the possibility of an early departure.

> James McAtee has rejected interest from West Ham despite a significant financial package being lined up.\
> \
> McAtee has no interest in joining the Championship club and would instead prefer to remain at Nottingham Forest. [pic.twitter.com/NUPRBKaS6q](https://t.co/NUPRBKaS6q)
>
> — Irons Watch ⚒️ (@IronsWatch) [July 13, 2026](https://x.com/IronsWatch/status/2076559850029326724?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## West Ham may need to wait for McAtee

Glasner’s arrival has given McAtee a fresh opportunity to revive his Forest career.

West Ham must now decide whether to remain patient or move quickly for another creative target.

ReadWestHam previously reported that [the Hammers had opened talks over a possible £30m McAtee deal](https://readwestham.com/2026/07/08/west-ham-james-mcatee-transfer-talks/).

A move would still make sense for Nuno. McAtee can operate between midfield and attack, while his previous Championship experience could prove valuable during a promotion push.

He scored nine goals during Sheffield United’s 2022/23 promotion-winning campaign and already understands the demands of the division.

However, Forest are under no immediate pressure to sell. McAtee remains contracted until 2030 and Glasner may prefer to judge him before approving an exit.

West Ham could therefore monitor his pre-season involvement while progressing alternatives such as Gustavo Sá and Evander.

If McAtee remains outside Forest’s starting plans, the door could reopen later in the window. For now, West Ham’s pursuit appears to have become more complicated.