Leeds United have had numerous players who have caught the eye this campaign, with many talents contributing to the side’s ambitions of staying in the Premier League.
Daniel Farke has constantly utilised various systems throughout the 2025/26 campaign, even switching to a three-back system, which has certainly enhanced the club’s survival chances.
However, attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson is in the minority of players who have struggled with the demands of England’s top-flight, subsequently enduring a huge drought in the final third.
Aaronson
The American international has now failed to register a single goal or assist in his last 12 outings across all competitions, with his last effort coming in the 4-3 defeat against Newcastle in early January.
As a result, if the club are to stay in England’s top-flight next term, the manager and hierarchy desperately need to ensure that the 25-year-old is nowhere near the starting eleven.
Leeds could now sign £25m star to replace Aaronson
Even though the transfer window is still a few months away from opening, Leeds have already been credited with an interest in landing potential reinforcements.
AZ Alkmaar talisman Troy Parrott is a player who has been on the Whites’ radar over the last couple of months, with his goalscoring record undoubtedly catching the eye.
troy-parrott-ireland-world-cup-1
The Irish international has netted 28 times in 41 appearances so far this campaign, but it’s unclear how much a potential summer transfer could set the 49ers back.
He’s not the only player currently in their sights at present, with Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder James McAtee another who’s on their radar.
According to Football Insider, Farke’s men have a long-standing interest in landing the Englishman, who joined the Reds for a fee in the region of £25m last summer.
However, after making just ten league appearances in 2025/26, Vitor Pereira’s men could look to offload him during the off-season - with the Whites firmly in the race for his signature.
Why McAtee would be Farke’s next Buendia at Leeds
Working with talented attacking players certainly isn’t alien to boss Farke, who enjoyed a phenomenal partnership managing Emi Buendia during his time as Norwich City manager.
buendia-championship-norwich-rutter-farke
The attacking midfielder spent three years playing under his guidance, undoubtedly playing the best football of his career when playing for him at the Canaries.
He registered 59 combined league goals and assists during his three years at Carrow Road, undoubtedly being the manager’s shining light and main source of creativity in the final third.
The Argentine joined Aston Villa for a reported £33m in 2021, but was named as a potential target for Farke and Leeds after their return to the top-flight last summer.
With Buendia now a first-team regular at Villa under Unai Emery, it’s unlikely that a reunion will be on the cards between the player and Farke, which could open the door for a move to sign McAtee.
McAtee
Whilst the Forest ace hasn’t featured as much as he would have liked, he’s still demonstrated similarities to the Villa star in the Premier League and Europe throughout 2025/26.
The Englishman is capable of featuring in a number ten role behind the striker or in a wide right role - a couple of positions Buendia has been known to thrive in over recent years.
The 23-year-old’s underlying stats showcase the talent he possesses in the final third, many of which would be a huge benefit to Leeds should they clinch his signature.
McAtee, who’s been dubbed “sensational” by journalist Zach Lowy, has created 1.6 chances per 90, whilst also managing to complete 91% of the passes he’s attempted.
Such numbers demonstrate the threat he poses with the ball in attacking areas - something which Buendia became known for during his time playing under Farke.
James McAtee - PL stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Games started
Pass accuracy
Chances created
Dribbles completed
Fouls won
Tackles made
Duels won
The Forest star has also completed 1.5 dribbles per 90 this term, whilst being fouled 1.6 times per 90 - further demonstrating the threat he poses to the opposition.
His small frame but quick footwork often allows him to get out of tricky scenarios, whilst putting the final ball into the path of his teammates - as seen by his chances created tally.
England's James McAtee reacts
England's James McAtee reacts
It’s unclear how much a deal for the former England U21 international would cost this summer, but there’s no denying there’s a bargain to be had, given his struggle in the East Midlands.
He’s a player who can easily displace Aaronson from Farke’s starting eleven, with the upside to any potential transfer massively outweighing any negatives.
Should he recapture his best form with any move to Elland Road, there’s no reason why Farke can’t have his next Buendia to help catapult the side to the next level in 2026/27.
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