Leeds United Target James McAtee Could Be Available in Cut-Price Deal

Strategic Insights -

Leeds United could be about to snare a significant coup in James McAtee, with reports suggesting Manchester City are willing to sell the 22-year-old midfielder in a cut-price deal. The England youth international, who has been on the fringes at the Etihad for the past season, is yet to receive any offer of fresh contract terms, leaving City with a predicament as his current deal is set to expire in the summer of 2026. According to reports, City would be open to a sale and could accept as little as £20m, significantly less than the £30m offers they have previously rejected.

Key Takeaways:

  • Manchester City are reportedly willing to sell James McAtee in the January transfer window.
  • McAtee's current deal is set to expire in the summer of 2026, leaving City with a predicament as his value diminishes significantly with each passing month.
  • Leeds United are listed as one of five clubs who have made enquiries about McAtee, with reports suggesting a £20m offer could be enough to secure a deal.
  • Nottingham Forest, Bayer Leverkusen, and Crystal Palace are also said to be interested in McAtee, with City attempting to sell him to secure a bigger deal for Morgan Gibbs-White and Florian Wirtz.
  • McAtee will not be short of options and will see the form of Cole Palmer at Chelsea as inspiration, as he attempts to break into the England senior team.
  • Leeds United could use McAtee as a makeweight in a potential deal for Gareth Southgate, reducing the cash amount they'd have to spend.

Statistics:

  • McAtee's current contract is set to expire in the summer of 2026.
  • Manchester City have rejected previous offers worth up to £30m for McAtee.
  • The England youth international could leave City for significantly less than £30m, with reports suggesting £20m could be enough to secure a deal.
  • McAtee has yet to receive any offer of fresh contract terms at City.
  • Leeds United could receive huge transfer discount on James McAtee with a January sale.
  • Cole Palmer was sold by Manchester City to Chelsea in a £42.5m deal.

Sources:

  • The Sunday Mirror (no date)
  • The Manchester Evening News (no date)
  • The Yorkshire Evening Post (no date)

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk//sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-transfer-news-man-city-james-mcatee-5122551

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk//sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-transfer-news-nottingham-forest-james-mcatee-5128064