Leeds United are expected to delve into the January transfer window to bolster their push for promotion to the Premier League, and one area they are expected to strengthen is the no.10 role.
Back in the summer, Leeds were keen on adding a new no.10 to the club but failed to get a player in over the line with Ao Tanaka and Isaac Schmidt instead arriving the last day, from Germany and Switzerland.
That is despite numerous names being linked. Chris Wilder’s Brazilian gem Gustavo Hamer was linked with Leeds, as were the likes of Emi Buendia, Fabio Carvalho, Roland Sallai and plenty of other stars.
But Leeds failed to get one in, and have been left with Brenden Aaronson as the only option in the 10 role. A player that has impressed this season, but needs competition and at the very least, some cover.
Leeds United reignite interest in Manchester City’s James McAtee
Angus Kinnear said Leeds were also interested in a deal for James McAtee. But, the England U21 man remained at The Etihad, with Pep Guardiola blocking a move for McAtee to leave the league champions.
Leeds have reignited their interest in McAtee ahead of January. However, Leeds face competition from 11 others for McAtee and the chances of getting a deal done for a player of his quality seem unlikely.
But he is a player that Sheffield United manager Wilder is a big fan of having had him on loan at Sheffield United. In December 2023, Wilder told Sheffield United’s YouTube McAtee is “outstanding”.
“He is [going to be some player], he is. Is he for sale? I don’t know. His price might have gone up a little bit after today,” Wilder said, after McAtee scored the only goal of the game in a win against Brentford.
“But do you know what? He’s a great kid. He wanted to come and play his football here. He could have had an easier ride, an easier pathway. It’s a great finish and I thought he was outstanding, yet again.”
Who are Leeds United rivalling in bid to sign James McAtee?
McAtee played in the Premier League last season for Sheffield United and has featured for Manchester City in England’s top tier, as well as playing and scoring in the Champions League. Would he drop back?
It seems unlikely. But, if Leeds bide their time and wait until the end of the window, they may find that McAtee is desperate for game time and wants to go on loan – and Leeds can then strike for McAtee.
Reports say that Leeds are one of 12 clubs interested. Premier League sides Fulham, West Ham, Leicester, Southampton and Forest are keen. Lens, Lille, Stuttgart, Girona, Celtic and Feyenoord also want him.
Some of those clubs even have European football on offer, with Stuttgart and Girona in the Champions League. Leeds seem well down the order for McAtee but stranger things have happened in football.
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