Leeds Plot Upgrade on Aaronson After Mixed Campaign
Leeds United are quietly prioritising a playmaker who can outshine Brenden Aaronson after a 2024-25 season that oscillated between flashes of brilliance and frustrating inconsistency. Despite starting 44 of 46 Championship matches and subbing on in the other two, Aaronson’s energy and work-rate only yielded 11 goal contributions. For a side with promotion ambitions, that simply isn’t enough.
In Daniel Farke’s system, Aaronson often doubled up in midfield and attack, pressing relentlessly for 90 minutes. Yet the American’s all-action style came at a cost: end product was always the first casualty. In the Premier League last season he managed just one goal and three assists in 30 outings, far below the level Leeds fans desperately need if they are to survive and thrive at the top level.
As an expert observer, I believe Leeds must find a creative spark with genuine end-product. They need someone capable of turning pressure into clear-cut chances, and potentially tilting tight games in their favour. Aaronson proved he can work hard—but now it’s time for United to recruit a more clinical, decisive operator.
Guardiola’s Big Call: McAtee Dropped and Suddenly Available
On Saturday, Crystal Palace reaffirmed their Wembley hoodoo over Man City with a 1-0 FA Cup quarter-final win, Eberechi Eze’s strike enough to seal the victory. But while City’s struggles grabbed the headlines, all eyes quickly turned to Pep Guardiola’s unusual team selection—James McAtee was omitted entirely.
McAtee, City’s FA Cup top scorer, was left on the sidelines despite his knack for finding the net in domestic cup action. Guardiola’s unexplained omission has sparked speculation that City are now willing to listen to offers for the England U21 star. That’s a remarkable turnaround given just weeks ago Leeds saw a £35m bid rebuffed as Guardiola protected his young prospect.
In my view, this twist highlights the brutal fine margins at elite clubs. McAtee’s talent is undeniable, but at a club that can splash £50m on marquee signings, a fringe role may not satisfy his ambitions. Now the teenage midfielder could be lured away by promises of regular first-team football—and Leeds are perfectly positioned to capitalise.
Leeds Step Closer to Sealing McAtee Deal After Guardiola Snub
With McAtee now firmly on the market, Leeds are said to be ramping up their interest. The youngster’s familiarity with Farke’s high-intensity pressing and ability to unlock defences make him an appealing candidate to slot in behind the striker. It’s a transfer narrative dripping with irony: Leeds chasing the boyhood City fan who once starred in their rivals’ youth ranks.
Reports suggest McAtee was left out of City’s squad for Saturday’s draw with Southampton, effectively signalling the end of his first-team pathway at the Etihad. Leeds fingered him as the ideal replacement for Aaronson, a player capable of delivering more goals and assists while maintaining the required work-rate.
From my perspective, this is a savvy move by Leeds. They get a technically gifted midfielder at a realistic fee, and McAtee gains the platform to become a key figure rather than a squad option. If the deal goes through, it could prove a masterstroke—one that transforms Leeds’ attacking thrust next season.
