Leeds United are making serious moves this summer, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the 49ers are doing enough.
This is due to other clubs around them just doing that little bit more at the moment to bring in signings.
The club in question is Sunderland, as after Regis Le Bris has already nabbed Habib Diarra, it’s now being said that Sunderland have agreed a deal for Noah Sadiki.
Daniel Farke will be frustrated by these problems and will want to match the pace of the Mackems.
Nevertheless, transfer news elsewhere has benefited Leeds in some respect as an interesting player has found a new club.
Malik Tillman in action for PSV v Fortuna Sittard.
Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images
Leeds United-mooted Malik Tillman finds a new club
With the number ten position needing to be nailed down, Farke will assess the options on the table.
Brenden Aaronson has been underperforming at Elland Road, and the midfield role could prove to be pivotal to Leeds’ chances.
Aaronson wants to stay at Leeds, but it might not be his best decision, as reports suggest Aaronson will lose his place at Leeds.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
PSR could be highly benefited in the Whites’ camp through the midfielder’s sale, but whether that will happen is unknown.
On the other hand, his teammate, Malik Tillman, is closing in on a move to Bayer Leverkusen as Florian Plettenberg says it’s a ‘done deal’.
🚨⚫️🔴 BREAKING | Malik #Tillman to Bayer 04 Leverkusen is considered a done deal!
Excl. detail: A full agreement has now been reached between Leverkusen and Eindhoven. Because Bayern have let the deadline for the buy-back option pass. Tillman will sign a contract until 2030.… pic.twitter.com/TX8HSumnOk
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 3, 2025
View Tweet
Tillman was mooted as Aaronson’s replacement, and although he won’t be coming to Yorkshire, this signing could spell trouble for the USA international.
READ MORE: Tottenham now face ‘problematic’ Manor Solomon issue as Leeds United door swings open
Tillman deal gives Leeds huge chance to sign James McAtee
With Aaronson’s status at Leeds likely to be decreased to a squad player, it comes with good reason after a fairly average season.
Brenden Aaronson’s statistics for Leeds in 24/25 season
Games played 46
Goal involvements 11 (9G+2A)
Chances created 73
Dispossessed 112
Successful dribbles per 90 1.29
This means an exciting starter will have to fill the void of the attacking midfielder spot, and Leeds have been very keen on James McAtee.
McAtee was left out of Man City’s Club World Cup squad, which ultimately sums up his future in Manchester.
It’s been apparent that McAtee is ‘stalling’ on a new City deal as he explores his options, with Leverkusen one interested in McAtee.
However, after Erik ten Hag’s side opted to close in on the Tillman deal, McAtee may feel other options elsewhere suit him more.
This could mean Leeds appear firmly on his radar, where the midfielder could become the face of the 49ers’ project with Aaronson’s position decreased, meaning a leading role awaits him at Elland Road.
With City demanding £30m for McAtee, Leeds have every chance to land a transfer with Leverkusen seemingly out of the picture.