Leeds United are still searching to sign a No.10 after losing Georginio Rutter to Brighton and Hove Albion this summer. Angus Kinnear recently revealed that the club was interested in several promising players, including former Liverpool player Fábio Carvalho and Manchester City’s James McAtee.
However, they were unable to bring either to Elland Road, and the explanation behind the latter’s decision to stay put during the transfer window may now be a source of aggravation for the Whites. Kinnear claimed there was ‘discussion all the way through the window’ that McAtee could be moved on, but Pep Guardiola changed his mind.
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The City manager said last month that he changed his mind after seeing the 21-year-old’s ability to operate in tight spaces and represent a threat in the final third. Guardiola told the Manchester Evening News: “That’s why I told Txiki [Begiristain] at the start of the season that I don’t want to loan him out or sell him because I need his specific quality in small spaces.” James possesses this skill.
“I have to see them, and the first games I didn’t like very much, so I told him afterwards, ‘Your impact in the game isn’t big, I want more.'” He performed admirably and had a significant impact.”
However, despite a positive appraisal from the manager, McAtee’s opportunities have been limited this season. The 21-year-old appeared for one minute of Premier League action against Ipswich Town last month and has been an unused substitute in City’s previous four games. McAtee did start their Carabao Cup match against Watford earlier this week, which will undoubtedly give him vital experience.
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