Leeds United pay the price as Bayer Leverkusen close in on double transfer swoop
Leeds United sitting on their hands looks set to cost them as Bayer Leverkusen pursue deals for James McAtee and Emiliano Buendia.
Fabrizio Romano posted on X (27 January) that the Bundesliga champions have approached Manchester City over a loan deal for previous United target McAtee, with an option to buy included.
This comes after Leverkusen also launched a bid for Aston Villa attacker Buendia [Sky Sports Germany, 25 January], a player well-known to Daniel Farke who has been heavily linked with a switch to LS11.
The Whites’ interest in both players is no secret at Elland Road, and yet their lack of activity in solving their number 10 question could see both McAtee and Buendia head elsewhere before 3 February.
Leeds United to be left lacking after Bayer Leverkusen updates
Bayer Leverkusen, coming off the back of an unbeaten Bundesliga title-winning season and challenging once again this term, are certainly an attractive proposition for any player on the move.
However, given the Germans have left their approaches for Buendia and McAtee until the final week of the winter window, United will be left kicking themselves if Leverkusen manage to snag both players.
They’ll only have themselves to blame though, with Farke making clear to 49ers Enterprises and the club’s board that a new number 10 was needed to replace Georginio Rutter – who was sold last summer.
As a result, the signs all are pointing towards the Whites failing to strengthen their squad before the 3 February deadline, leaving them vulnerable to injuries and losses of form for the rest of the season.
Brenden Aaronson remains the only trusted option in the number 10 role, and unless there’s a serious uptick in activity over the coming days, he could be Farke’s lot for the rest of a crucial, crucial campaign.
In other Leeds news, the Whites have received mixed responses in their pursuits of three separate transfer targets.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.