Leeds United
James McAtee. Credit: Imago
Daniel Farke thought his search was over when Leeds United signed Facundo Buonanotte on a loan deal in January. He had been very vocal about the need of attacking quality since the summer.
And after a good run of results to end last year, the 49ers decided to go all out to help the team in the market in order for them to have a chance at survival. Buonanotte came in with a lot of expectations, but he was exactly the profile Farke has been after over a year. Unfortunately, the midfielder’s time at the club has turned out to be a disappointment. Multiple outlets expect Buonanotte to return to his parent club in the summer.
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Former scout tips Leeds United to land £25m ace
But it looks like the Whites could be in for another attacking midfielder at the end of this season. Former Manchester United scout Mick Brown thinks Leeds United are perfectly placed to sign James McAtee on a permanent deal this summer.
“Leeds have been long-term admirers of McAtee,” Brown told Football Insider.
“They missed out last season when he went to Nottingham Forest, but obviously things haven’t worked out there so he could be available this summer.”
The former Manchester City star has not been at his best since joining Forest, and has only managed a goal and an assist in 20 appearances this campaign.
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Factors that could affect a summer move
A move for McAtee could have a lot of layers to it, mainly relegation. If Leeds do go down to the Championship, then they will have less money to spend on the player. But if Forest do go down, they will have to sell players in order to keep afloat, giving Leeds the perfect chance to sign him.
If Nottingham Forest do get a new coach at the end of the campaign, one of his first duties will be to assess the current squad ahead of next season. And if that coach prefers the midfielder, he will get a chance to prove himself in the upcoming campaign, ruling out an exit. Leeds United landing a player of James McAtee’s quality would be a huge boost; the team need a playmaker of his quality who can score and assist. The team have lacked such a player this season, and it has had a huge effect on the pitch.