Leeds to beat Tottenham to McAtee signing as ‘serious message sent’ – Exclusive
James McAtee could become Leeds United’s first signing of the summer.
Perhaps as expected given the nature of it, but the first five days of the transfer window have been rather quiet from a Leeds perspective.
A handful of players have been linked with a move to Elland Road, while the likes of Mateo Joseph have been linked away, but there has been a lack of movement.
With that said, the Whites are expected to be active in the coming months, and they may hold the upper hand in the race to sign in-demand Man City ace McAtee.
McAtee is a wanted man at Manchester City
While Leeds will likely be prioritising a striker and a new goalkeeper this summer, Daniel Farke will not hesitate to upgrade on Brenden Aaronson if the chance arises, and McAtee may provide him the opportunity to do so.
Amid links to Leeds United, the City star is also wanted by Tottenham, but Paul Robinson thinks the Whites hold the upper hand for one specific reason.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, after being asked if guaranteed game time would make them favourites, Robinson said: “Yeah, I think they will be.
“We’ve seen him before out on loan, and seen Pep use him a lot this season. I think for him, now going into the next season, it’ll be interesting to see what happens with him in the Club World Cup.
| McAtee | Games | Goals | Assists |
| Man City | 27 | 7 | 0 |
| Sheffield United | 32 | 5 | 4 |
“But he’s a player who may be surplus to requirements at Manchester City next season. And again, it’ll be full profit for them.
“I think Leeds would offer him that opportunity to play regularly. He can play wide. He’s a player who would definitely improve Leeds’ start in the XI and the squad. He’s a player that I’d like to see there.
“If that’s the type of player that Leeds are signing, that immediately sends out a message that they’re very serious about trying to stay in the Premier League.”
Farke needs to be backed by the 49ers
If Leeds are to break the trend of newly promoted sides, they will need to recruit well this summer.
Investment will be needed at Elland Road, though, as proven by several others, it’s not the money that you spend, it’s how you spend it that determines the success you find.
That is the task that awaits Leeds United in the coming months, and they can’t be afforded any margin for error.