Several players were linked with a move to fill the creative void, including Gustavo Hamer and Roland Sallai. Emi Buendia, also linked with Leeds, scored his first goal in 18 months for Aston Villa this week.
With no new signing, Leeds will have to rely on Aaronson to provide creativity at least until the January window, while Piroe and Wilfried Gnonto have also been utilized in the No. 10 role within Farke’s 4-2-3-1 system this season.
Additionally, Leeds attempted to sign a player currently at Manchester City, but Pep Guardiola explained why he blocked both a potential loan or permanent move during the summer transfer window.
Pep Guardiola has explained why he blocked Leeds United’s attempt to sign James McAtee during the summer transfer window. Leeds CEO Angus Kinnear had confirmed the club’s interest in McAtee, with a potential fee of £20 million being discussed. Despite this, Guardiola decided to retain the young midfielder.
Following McAtee’s first start of the season in Manchester City’s Carabao Cup victory over Watford, Guardiola spoke to the *Manchester Evening News* about his decision. He emphasized McAtee’s unique ability to operate effectively in tight spaces and contribute in the final third. Guardiola said, “It is difficult to find players with a sense of goal in small spaces who attack the final third, and McAtee has that quality. That’s why I told Txiki [Begiristain] I don’t want to loan or sell him.”
Guardiola acknowledged McAtee’s initial performances didn’t meet his expectations, but he saw improvement after giving him feedback: “His impact was really good. His period at Sheffield United helped him a lot… to value suffering for points, physicality, and winning duels.”
McAtee spent two years on loan at Sheffield United, thriving under Paul Heckingbottom and later Chris Wilder, where his performances in both the Championship and Premier League showed the potential that made him an appealing target for Leeds.
| Season at Sheffield United | League | Apps | Goals | Assists |
| 2022-23 | Championship | 43 (27 starts) | 9 | 4 |
| 2023-24 | Premier League | 33 (21 starts) | 5 | 4 |
Rated at £20 million, James McAtee would have been a significant expense for Leeds United, particularly while they are competing in the Championship. Nevertheless, a loan arrangement would have been a remarkable addition for Daniel Farke’s team, offering essential creativity in the midfield.
Despite the potential benefits of a loan, McAtee had already demonstrated his capabilities in the Premier League last season with Sheffield United, making a return to the Championship seem improbable. For the England U21 player, such a move would have been considered a step backward in his development. Given Pep Guardiola’s desire to keep him at Manchester City, it became evident that McAtee would remain with the club this season.
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