Godwin ObajeAlan Shearer Urges £35m Star to Exit Manchester City as Leeds United Circle with Transfer Interest
Leeds United’s need for a creative spark in midfield has never been more evident than during the recently concluded 2024/25 Championship campaign. Despite a successful promotion push, questions persist over the attacking midfield role, with Brenden Aaronson struggling to consistently deliver in the no.10 position. Now, as the summer transfer window looms, attention has turned to Manchester City star James McAtee – and Premier League legend Alan Shearer believes a move away from the Etihad is the best option for the promising youngster.
Back in January, Leeds boss Daniel Farke made no secret of his desire to bring in a new playmaker. However, the club failed to act in the market, and Aaronson remained Farke’s go-to option in attacking midfield. While the American international has shown signs of physical improvement, his output remains underwhelming – finishing the season with just nine goals and two assists from 44 Championship starts. His energy and work rate have rarely been questioned, but Leeds fans and pundits alike have pointed to a lack of end product as a significant weakness.
Larry Nance Jr., a vocal supporter of Leeds in recent months, defended Aaronson’s contributions, arguing that his pressing and stamina bring balance to the side. However, even the most loyal fans acknowledge that in the Premier League, Leeds will require more incisive and creative talent to compete at a higher level. And in James McAtee, they may have identified a player who could be the long-term solution.
McAtee, 22, has long been regarded as one of the brightest prospects to emerge from Manchester City’s academy. Dubbed “the Salford Silva” for his style of play reminiscent of David Silva, McAtee has shone on loan at Sheffield United and has been in and around City’s senior squad. However, breaking into Pep Guardiola’s star-studded midfield has proven a near-impossible task.
According to reports, Leeds United are among a dozen clubs to have made contact with Manchester City regarding McAtee’s availability this summer. The Premier League champions have reportedly slapped a hefty £35 million price tag on the England U21 star, a figure that reflects both his potential and the club’s reluctance to lose him without significant compensation.
Despite his talent, McAtee was left out of City’s matchday squad for the FA Cup final – a clear indication of where he stands in Guardiola’s plans. That omission has prompted Premier League icon Alan Shearer to speak out on the youngster’s future. Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer didn’t hold back in his assessment.
“He’s not getting in their team. He’s another one that is going to have to leave,” Shearer said bluntly. The former England captain referenced Cole Palmer’s successful departure from City to Chelsea, suggesting McAtee should follow a similar path rather than wait for opportunities that may never come.
The message is clear: for McAtee to fulfil his vast potential, he must move to a club where he will be trusted with regular first-team football. And Leeds United, freshly promoted and rebuilding under Daniel Farke, could be the perfect destination.
Micah Richards and Gary Lineker also weighed in on the debate. Lineker joked, “We’ll take him at Leicester,” despite the Foxes’ relegation back to the Championship. Richards offered a more serious assessment, stating: “He’s not probably the same level as Cole Palmer, but McAtee will go somewhere and will light it up. He’s got something special.”
That “something special” is exactly what Leeds have been missing in the final third. McAtee’s low centre of gravity, intelligent movement, and sharp passing could add a new dimension to Farke’s side. Unlike at Newcastle or Tottenham – clubs also reportedly monitoring the player – McAtee would walk into the starting XI at Elland Road. That guaranteed playing time could be a decisive factor as the player weighs up his options.
Leeds have already begun planning for life in the Premier League, and McAtee is believed to be a key target. While the £35 million fee could be a stumbling block, it’s possible that City may be open to a structured deal or even another loan with an option to buy – especially if McAtee pushes for a move.
For McAtee, this summer represents a crossroads in his career. At 22, he needs to take the next step and establish himself as a regular at the top level. Waiting in the wings at Manchester City has its benefits, but there comes a point when game time becomes essential for development. A move to Leeds United – a club with a passionate fanbase, a manager who trusts youth, and a clear gap in the starting lineup – could be the perfect platform.
The coming weeks will be crucial. If Leeds can convince McAtee that he’ll be the creative heartbeat of their Premier League return, they may just pull off one of the shrewdest signings of the window. And with Alan Shearer adding his voice to the call for McAtee to move, momentum could soon shift decisively in Leeds’ favour.
Godwin Obaje
