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 when it comes to contracts.
"The manager has to work today – not even tomorrow, but the club has to work for tomorrow and the next years," he added.
"It can never stop. The decision the club has made to extend contracts is because they are working for the future, and they have to do it.
"It's so important, the soul and the players who know the club because they are young, we cannot forget that. We are a young team, except of course maybe Fernandinho and Scott Carson. The average age is so good, the club has to work to keep these players.
"They behave in the years very well, we know them mentally. They all love to play football, incredibly focussed. We have to keep them and the club has to win the Premier League. The club has done it brilliantly.
"Every season is different. I don't know what is going to happen but the soul and heart of the team is young and that's important."
