The transfer window always provides obstacles, and it seems as though Leeds United are facing their first one.
Daniel Farke will know it won’t be a smooth ride this window, and ruthless decisions will need to be made.
In terms of incomings though, Paraag Marathe has promised to be ‘aggressive’ in a bid to keep Leeds in the Premier League.
But the owner needs to put his words into actions and with the window still in its early stages there will be no rush.
However, this might not be the case as one deal looks to provide a major threat to a key target for the Whites.
Photo by Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty ImagesLiverpool deal provides threat to Leeds United signing James McAtee
With James McAtee being a main target for the 49ers this summer, many elements are involved with the deal.
Fans see McAtee as a ‘statement signing’, as Leeds have reignited their interest following January’s pursuit.
It’s said that Man City want £35m for McAtee, who has impressed for City but still doesn’t seem to have convinced Pep Guardiola.
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This all looks good for Leeds, but now a major factor has come under the spotlight, which could see McAtee’s transfer fail.
Liverpool are interested in Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz as a £126m deal (SkySports) could come to fruition for Arne Slot’s side.
How this might link to Leeds will be questioned but McAtee could actually be a key reason in this deal.
With Wirtz being an irreplaceable figure in Leverkusen’s squad after 32 goal involvements this season, the German side will need a replacement, and according to Florian Plettenberg, this could be McAtee.
🚨⚫️🔴 James #McAtee has received several enquiries from the Bundesliga – with Bayer 04 Leverkusen still keen on him.
The next steps will depend on Leverkusen appointing a new manager.
A departure from Manchester City remains possible. Premier League clubs are also monitoring… pic.twitter.com/20gRRzs04z
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) May 21, 2025
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This doesn’t come as too much of a shock with Bayer Leverkusen showing previous interest in McAtee, but what it does mean is that Leeds will have to act quickly and try to convince the 22-year-old to stay in the Premier League, before Liverpool wrap up this extraordinary signing.
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The latest update on Leeds United target McAtee amid Wirtz deal
For £35m, it would no doubt make a dent in Leeds’ £100m+ transfer kitty.
But it seems as though it would be an immense signing after McAtee’s performances in very limited game time under Guardiola.
With the City boss not being too keen on the midfielder, he now also wants to see his squad sell big this summer, with a smaller roster in mind.
This could ultimately mean that Guardiola’s claim could see City sell McAtee, and Leeds will want to pounce on the opportunity.
It will be a developing saga, but Leverkusen won’t be dropping their interest anytime soon in a deal the 49ers must sort quickly.