The January transfer window might be a few months off, but Leeds United fans already know that securing a No. 10 is at the top of the club’s wishlist. Moreover, one summer target could be on the market soon if his current situation doesn’t change.
Leeds remains in the hunt for promotion to the Premier League this season, despite losing several players. While they’ve made some investments to strengthen the squad, they could not secure a couple of essential signings, especially someone to fill that vital No. 10 role in their attack.
A few weeks ago, Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear mentioned that the club was interested in Manchester City’s young talent, James McAtee.
“Two of the other players, looking at the level we were looking at, McAtee at Man City, there was talk he might be released all the way through the window and then Pep [Guardiola] decided to keep him,” Kinnear said. “And then Carvalho, who, again, might have been able to go out on another loan. It might have been a Championship loan or a Premier League loan.
“We thought we were first in the queue if it was going to be in the Championship and he ended up being sold for £27m to Brentford. To strengthen our team and to make it better, we have to shop at the highest level possible. And there is lots and lots of frustration.”
Could Leeds revisit James McAtee file in January?
McAtee could be pushing for a January move as GIVE ME SPORT reported on Tuesday, citing sources, that McAtee is eager to find out if he’s part of Pep Guardiola’s short-term plans before deciding whether to leave the Etihad Stadium when the transfer window opens in January.
According to the report, McAtee hasn’t ruled out the possibility of discussing his future with Guardiola. After two successful loan spells at Sheffield United, he is eager to continue his development rather than risk spending too much time on the bench.
City turned down offers of up to £30 million this summer for the 21-year-old, but now McAtee is looking for clarity on his playing time in the upcoming months. He’s weighing whether leaving the club might be the best move for his career.
Finally, the information concludes that McAtee hopes to find out if he will get first-team chances under Guardiola. If it seems like a struggle to secure a spot at the Etihad Stadium, he may consider entering talks about a new challenge, potentially another loan.
