It is hard to pick a weak link in Leeds United’s starting XI under Daniel Farke during the 2024-25 season, but if there was one, it is arguably the no.10 role – and the lack of depth in that position.
Brenden Aaronson started 44 of 46 Championship games during the 2024-25 season. Despite having aims of 30 goals and assists prior to the campaign, the USA star managed just 11 goal involvements.
A player that cost Leeds £25m, Aaronson is yet to really prove his transfer fee. Having struggled to do so in the Championship, there are real doubts over whether Aaronson can do it in the Premier League.
Reports have even suggested that Aaronson could leave, with the playmaker unsure over whether he will get game time next season ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which is being partly held in the United States.
Leeds will be in the market for a new attacking midfielder and have already been linked with a few. The latest is Man City’s James McAtee – a player that has been linked with Leeds before under Daniel Farke.
Man City make decision on James McAtee as Leeds eye move
The England U21 star is a target for Leeds this summer with The Whites now promoted and able to attract players like McAtee. A fee of £25m is required to land McAtee and Leeds have made an approach for him.
It comes after Angus Kinnear confirmed Leeds had a bid for McAtee rejected last summer. Leeds are once again in the mix for McAtee and now, Give Me Sport say City are ‘open to offers’ for the £25m-rated ace.
Leeds are not alone in their pursuit of McAtee with Ange Postecoglou keen to take him to Tottenham. But City are open to his exit, with Pep Guardiola unconvinced by his display at Southampton on Saturday.
James McAtee and Brenden Aaronson’s stats compared so far
After a full season in the Championship with Leeds, Aaronson can now be compared rightfully with McAtee having also clocked up a full season in the Premier League at Elland Road, during 2022-23.
Quite clearly, McAtee’s numbers are better. If City are truly willing to sell McAtee in the coming weeks and months, then Leeds have got to seriously make a move. But competition will be aplenty for the City star.
It is easy to imagine the majority of Premier League clubs will consider McAtee over the course of the summer. Whether clubs are willing to pay a whopping £25m, remains to be seen when the window opens.
