Leeds United are heading into the January transfer window knowing that strengthening their attacking midfield is a growing priority as they battle to secure Premier League survival in the 2025/26 season.
A recent improvement in results has brought greater stability and left Daniel Farke working from a more confident position. Those performances have reinforced the manager’s belief that the squad needs added quality in key areas, with creativity between the lines now high on his agenda.
Tactical tweaks have helped expose that need. The shift to a 5-3-2 system has increased the demand for a midfielder capable of linking play, unlocking defences and supporting the forward line, making the search for an attacking midfielder a central part of Leeds’ January plans.
Leeds are monitoring several options ahead of the winter window, and the club believe there could be an opportunity to revive their interest in a creative midfielder they previously targeted, should the right conditions fall into place.
Leeds United are still keen to sign James McAtee in January
Nottingham Forest signed James McAtee from Manchester City for a deal worth up to £30m last summer. However, he has been a casualty of Forest having three managers of different styles this season.
He has not started a league game for Forest since September, and has only featured six times in the Premier League in the ongoing season.
McAtee has been linked with a move away from Forest in January, and according to the Daily Mail, Leeds are still interested in signing the attacking midfielder.
The Whites also had their eyes on the player in the summer. However, they didn’t have the funds to pursue a deal for the talented young midfielder.
Leeds are among the five Premier League clubs that are monitoring McAtee’s situation ahead of the winter transfer window.
| Tournament | Matches | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 6 | 149 |
| Europa League | 3 | 195 |
| EFL Cup | 1 | 84 |
| Total | 10 | 428 |
He is still rated highly, and the midfielder is seen as a victim of Forest’s chaos this season.
Chelsea, Bournemouth, and Sunderland are also considering signing the midfielder in the winter transfer window.
Leeds need a new attacking midfielder
The 5-3-2 formation has led to a rejigging of the club’s transfer plans ahead of January. A striker and a defender have become priorities for the club.
However, an attacking midfielder is also needed for the overall balance of the squad. Ao Tanaka has played that role well when given an opportunity, but beyond him, the cupboard is bare.
Brenden Aaronson did play that role in the 4-1 win over Crystal Palace. He works hard off the ball, but doesn’t create or score enough to hold that place down.
Leeds are working under a tight budget, and plugging all the gaps in the squad could be a bridge too far in January. However, the team definitely need one more creative option in midfield.
