Leeds handed McAtee transfer boost as Man City make huge call
Leeds United have been linked with a move for Manchester City midfielder James McAtee.
Having secured promotion to the Premier League, the Whites are keen on signing players who give them the best shot of avoiding relegation.
While they secured 100 points in the Championship, they’re in dire need of reinforcements this summer.
City leave out McAtee as transfer now on the cards
England added McAtee to their Under-21s squad pre Euro training squad with the tournament set to begin in June.
Had Manchester City wanted him for the Club World Cup, they had the first right to his selection, but they opted against it.
According to Sky Sports’ Jack Gaughan (30 May), this decision signals the end of his time at the Etihad Stadium.
| James McAtee’s 2024/25 Premier League statistics | Total |
| Appearances (starts) | 15 (3) |
| Goals | 3 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 2.80 |
| Touches | 11.6 |
| Big chances created | 2 |
| Accurate passes | 6.5 (84%) |
While Pep Guardiola has praised him in the past, game time under the Spaniard has been hard to come by.
The 22-year-old is on the radar of other Premier League clubs as well this summer, along with Leeds, and according to LeedsLive, even £20million will be enough to bring McAtee to Elland Road.
Via X, Gaughan wrote: “James McAtee has been added to the Under 21s’ pre-Euro training squad so not going to the Club World Cup. Probably signals the end of his time at Man City.”
Leeds can make McAtee an important player next season
The 22-year-old could become a pivotal player under Farke at Leeds by leveraging his technical flair and adapting to the German’s high-intensity system.
McAtee’s loan spell at Sheffield United, where he scored three goals and provided four assists in 30 Championship appearances, showcases his ability to create and score in tight spaces, ideal for Farke’s possession-based 4-2-3-1 setup.
To secure a regular role, the Englishman must enhance his work rate off the ball, aligning with Leeds’ pressing demands and also be able to work out of possession.
Consistent performances in training, focusing on quick decision-making and defensive contributions, will help him displace established midfielders like Ethan Ampadu.
His versatility to play as a No. 10 or winger offers tactical flexibility.
With Farke’s track record of developing young talents, McAtee’s Premier League experience and potential could make him a cornerstone in Leeds’ push for stability.