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“I will quit”- Pep Guardiola’s EXPLOSIVE Comments Create a Stir, an Ultimatum that could open the door for Leeds United’s Major Transfer move
Leeds United Given Boost in Pursuit of Manchester City Midfielder James McAtee
Leeds United’s hopes of signing reported target James McAtee have received a lift after the midfielder was left out of Manchester City’s squad for their midweek victory over Bournemouth.
City boss Pep Guardiola has made it clear that he wants a smaller squad going forward, suggesting that multiple departures are likely this summer — a development that could work in Leeds’ favour as they eye reinforcements in several key areas.
Leeds have been linked with renewed interest in McAtee ahead of a crucial summer that chairman Paraag Marathe has described as one of the most important in decades.
While a new goalkeeper and striker remain top priorities, the club’s recruitment team is also thought to be looking at creative midfielders, particularly in the No.10 role — an area where McAtee could be a strong fit.
Last summer, former Leeds CEO Angus Kinnear confirmed the club had inquired about McAtee, though City were unwilling to let him leave at the time.
The 22-year-old has made only three Premier League starts since then and didn’t feature at all in City’s recent 1-0 FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace, despite being fully fit.
Reports suggest McAtee, who has just one year left on his contract, could be allowed to leave for a fee in the region of £20-30 million.
With City planning a major summer overhaul and several new signings expected, those on the fringes of the squad — like McAtee — may need to move on.
Guardiola, who has long preferred a tight-knit group of players, doubled down on his stance after City’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth:
“I told the club I don’t want a big squad,” he said. “I don’t want five or six players left out every game — I can’t do that. I’d rather have a smaller group I can rotate.
This season was tough at times with injuries, but I won’t manage 24 players again.”
With City reportedly shifting their attention to Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White after pulling out of a move for Florian Wirtz, the pathway into Guardiola’s plans appears even more blocked for McAtee.
Selling him would also make financial sense for City. As a homegrown player, any fee received would be recorded as pure profit under financial sustainability rules.
Whether Leeds can land McAtee remains to be seen, especially with potential competition from several Premier League sides.
However, bringing in a creative competitor for Brenden Aaronson would strengthen their squad ahead of a return to top-flight football.
