Leeds United backed to pull off loan coup for ‘Outstanding’ James McAtee
Carlton Palmer is backing Leeds United to sign “outstanding” James McAtee on loan this January as the Manchester City man looks for more minutes.
Since his return to the Etihad, the 22-year-old has played just one minute of Premier League football for the Citizens this season and, despite some cup appearances, the youngster is struggling to break into the fold under Pep Guardiola.
Caught Offside named Leeds as one of a cluster of clubs looking to sign McAtee (20 November), with West Ham, Celtic, Lens, Lille, Southampton, Nottingham Forest, Leicester City, Feyenoord, VfB Stuttgart and Girona all named as interested parties.
Palmer, though, thinks Leeds may hold an advantage in the race for his signature as they can offer him regular game time.
Speaking to Football Leauge World [22 November], Palmer said: “Leeds United are looking at a loan move for James McAtee.
“McAtee is a fantastic player, he was on loan at Sheffield United last season and the season before, and he was outstanding in midfield.
“Of course, Man City would prefer a Premier League move but he needs to be playing regular football. Leeds, in the position they are, they’re going to be pushing for automatic promotion, what he needs is to be playing regularly.
“Leeds are sweating on the fitness of midfield players, they may get them back in January, they may not, unfortunately. So they’ve got to move for some quality, and he is proven quality. He helped Sheffield United get promoted, he was outstanding, and even though they struggled in the Premier League, he was outstanding again.
“He’s a fantastic midfield player and it would be a coup for Leeds if they managed to get him and he can replicate the form he showed at Sheffield United, which I have no doubt he would do because he’s an outstanding footballer.”
McAtee loan move could aid Leeds United promotion push
If Leeds could pull off this loan move it could have a big impact on the side as they progress with their season and their bid to return to the top flight.
During his two seasons on loan with Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United, the midfielder showed his quality and emerged as a particular standout player as the Blades gained promotion to the Premier League in 2022/23.
While a Premier League move may be preferable in terms of quality, getting regular minutes under his belt is essential from this loan and that is something Leeds can definitely provide him with, while also giving him the chance to win promotion again.
This is also a move that could be hugely impactful for the Whites themselves as the season progresses as they would be gaining a player with the experience to help provide them with extra cover in the midfield positions.
This is a move that could prove to be beneficial for both parties as well as the player himself and their rival sides in the Championship could find themselves envying Leeds as a result.
In other Leeds United news, a new backroom role for Lucas Radebe has been proposed by the Whites.
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