Amid plenty of talk regarding strikers and central midfielders, the attacking midfield position has been somewhat forgotten as a priority for Leeds United.
Of course, Leeds United require fresh faces across almost every area of their team. Daniel Farke’s side have completed the signings of Lukas Nmecha and Jaka Bijol.
They have missed out on Habib Diarra, however, which is a major blow. The Whites need a new-look midfield as Leeds fans want Brenden Aaronson to be dropped.
James McAtee has been on Leeds’ radar for over a year, with the Man City playmaker stalling over a new deal and one of the main targets for the 49ers this summer as a No.10.
James McAtee has a big smile on his face while playing for Manchester City against Leicester City.
Photo by Mark Leech/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Leeds United’s chances of signing James McAtee improve
Leeds need a differential player and McAtee is valued at £25 million. The fact is, McAtee would be a real statement signing for Leeds as a creative midfielder with plenty of potential and scope to develop further.
McAtee is interesting numerous Bundesliga sides, but the reality is much worse than that regarding competition. McAtee has interest from 20 clubs in Europe, according to some reports.
That said, McAtee’s defiant comments offer Leeds hope in recent days, but he has expanded further on those remarks ahead of today’s U-21 final at the Euros in Slovakia against Germany.
England’s captain has “no regrets” choosing Euro 2025 over the Club World Cup with City, having opted to go with Lee Carsley’s side over City’s Club World Cup campaign to help England try to defend their title.
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Speaking via the BBC on Friday, he said: “It’s a tough one to answer but I don’t regret my decision at all. I’m happy I’m here and my focus is now tomorrow, it’s not on the Club World Cup.
“This would be a special occasion for me. I’m so excited to play tomorrow. It’ll be a big achievement for me and my family.
“Some of the lads have played in some big games and I’ve not sensed any nerves, but I’m sure by tomorrow there will be some. Hopefully the lads do get it, so it means something to them.”
The boost for Leeds is that McAtee not heading to the Club World Cup is a sign that he intends to start a new chapter in his career this summer and leave Man City permanently.
Close up image of James McAtee in action for Manchester City.
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Is James McAtee’s lack of experience a concern?
The fact McAtee is captain of England’s U-21 team says a lot about his mentality and character but Leeds need experience this summer.
Quality is required as well but McAtee’s lack of regular minutes with City is somewhat of an issue. The midfielder has played plenty of minutes for Sheffield United but Leeds need someone with regular availability.
Team Appearances Goals Assists
Man City 34 7 0
Sheffield United 75 14 8
England U-21 23 8 5
James McAtee’s career stats (all comps)
McAtee hasn’t done a full season of Premier League football, even if he played a solid amount for the Blades and has experience of a relegation battle.
It’s perhaps a sign for Leeds to look elsewhere at the prices mentioned for his services, even if £25m would still have resale value.