Leeds United are weighing up whether to pursue a deal for Manchester City’s James McAtee according to reports.
The midfielder has plenty of Championship experience with Sheffield United in the first of his two seasons at Bramall Lane. He has only appeared once for The Citizens in the Premier League amidst an injury crisis at the club.
Whites Target McAtee
According to reports from Leeds Live, Daniel Farke’s side are keen on McAtee after failing to capture their main targets in attacking midfield over the summer. Both midfield signings United made were more defensive with Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka coming through the doors.
McAtee has been linked with the Elland Road side in the past and it is believed that a move for the Salford-born player would be a loan move, with Pep Guardiola’s side somewhat open to a permanent move away for their academy star.
However, Leeds face heavy competition from Premier League side West Ham United as their star player Lucas Paqueta is being courted by multiple clubs, including Man City. The Hammers view that move as a summer move, meaning that the Yorkshire side could be uncontested if they pursue a half-season loan.
In his sole season in the second flight, he played 43 times and scored nine times, adding three assists as The Blades went up to the Premier League with a second-place finish behind Burnley.
Writer’s View
James McAtee should still be playing in the Premier League based on his performance for Sheffield United last season so this would be somewhat of a coup for Leeds United. It would solve a lot of their issues with a lack of an out-and-out attacking midfielder and so far it looks like they will be uncontested for his services in January. Whilst they may not be able to secure him beyond that, if he helped get them up to the Premier League, their budget would increase and undoubtedly his popularity would also go up in West Yorkshire.
Football journalist with The Real EFL since 2023. A 2024 Multimedia Journalism graduate from the University of Salford, Lewis specialises in Salford City FC and EFL coverage.
