Leeds United have lost out in the race for Emi Buendia and a big reason for that is down to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, according to reports.
It’s been a very quiet January transfer window for Leeds United, with Joe Gelhardt’s loan switch to Hull City the only major change to the squad so far.
Daniel Farke did suggest he was satisfied with the players he has at his disposal ahead of the window opening but it does appear the manager would like to add a centre-back and playmaker to his ranks.
Pascal Struijk’s injury not being as bad as first feared has lessened the need for defensive reinforcements but an extra spark in attack could still come in handy.
That was made stark when Leeds could not break down a resolute Burnley in a remarkably boring top of the table Championship clash on Monday that ended goalless.
The over-relied-upon Brenden Aaronson was unable to create anything of note against a defence that needed unlocking and the fact Farke had no alternative to the American shows the need for a new recruit in his position.
Aston Villa’s Emi Buendia, who flourished under Farke at Norwich City and has had little game time this season, appeared to be the ideal signing but instead has agreed to join Bayer Leverkusen, a move that came to be due to Pep Guardiola’s decision on James McAtee.
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Leverkusen sign Buendia after McAtee move failed
The reigning Bundesliga champions Leverkusen have struggled in their defence of the title, with Bayern Munich holding a six-point advantage at the top.
Xabi Alonso is looking to improve his squad for the season run-in and the German side looked to recruit City starlet McAtee – a player Leeds have also been linked with – who has struggled for minutes as well.
However, according to Telegraph journalist James Ducker, Leverkusen’s approach was rejected.
Bayer wanted to sign McAtee on loan, with the option to buy for £25m in the summer, and the 22-year-old was said to be ‘keen’ on the move.
However, it’s reported, Guardiola wants to keep McAtee this month and the transfer was blocked. As a result, Leverkusen turned to an alternative and have agreed to sign Buendia on loan instead.
Leeds United lose out on Emi Buendia and Louie Barry
Leeds have had bad luck in trying to sign playmakers from Villa this month as it’s not only Buendia they have missed out on but Louie Barry as well.
Losing out to a top team in the Champions League is no great shame but to one 18 places below them in Hull? That stings.
Leeds appeared the favourite to clinch Barry’s signature at the start of the window after the exciting forward was recalled from a loan at Stockport County – having torn up League One – to be sent to a higher division.
Yet, Yorkshire rivals Hull have won the competitive race for Barry, with Villa manager Unai Emery thinking Tigers boss Ruben Selles is ideal for his development.
With only a few days remaining in the window, Leeds are running out of time to add another weapon to their arsenal which could fire them back to the Premier League.
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