Leeds Utd news: Three number 10s Daniel Farke should consider signing

Georginio Rutter grabbed 15 assists for Leeds United in the 2023/24 Championship season before leaving for Brighton in the summer for a reported fee of around £40million.

Leeds brought replacements in, such as Largie Ramazani and Manor Solomon, but not a proper number 10 to provide goal contributions from midfield like Rutter did playing in behind the striker.

Transfer News Blitz’s writer Harry Whitfield reviews the three best options for Daniel Farke as a potential number 10 to slot into the Whites starting 11.

James McAtee, Manchester City

The former Sheffield United loanee, James McAtee, returned to his parent club Manchester City in the summer and has featured occasionally for the Citizens.

McAtee has played only 311 minutes of football for Pep Guardiola, and the latest rumours suggest he is desperate for more game time.

In 33 games across all competitions for the Blades last season, McAtee scored five goals and contributed with four assists.

For a side that finished dead last on 16 points in the Premier League, the numbers he achieved are quite impressive.

The 22-year-old offers quick, direct forward runs and a creative spark that could unlock Leeds’ potential going forward and release the floodgates in terms of goals.

Against Swansea City at the weekend, Farke’s side scored four goals in a match for the first time this season, as they have often struggled to punish weaker sides.

The Yorkshire Evening Post claim Guardiola could be set to cash in on McAtee to fund the club’s move for a temporary Rodri replacement, as they say, a price tag of £30m has been slapped on the midfielder.

Options for a permanent move may be difficult, considering P&S rules restricting Leeds’ transfer activity, but a loan could potentially be agreed between the two clubs.

Emiliano Buendia, Aston Villa

A player Farke knows very well, Emiliano Buendia, played under the German coach when he was managing at Norwich City.

Buendia made the move to Aston Villa back in 2021 for a reported fee of around £33million, and in his first season, he bagged four goals and six assists after 37 games.

The Argentine midfielder impressed again in his second season, but at the start of the 2023/24 season, he suffered a significant knee injury that sidelined him for the entirety of the campaign.

Having returned this year, his minutes have been limited, and Leeds CEO Angus Kinnear revealed back in September the Whites attempted to sign the 27-year-old.

Kinnear admitted Villa were reluctant to let him go, and the player was not keen on dropping down a level.

However, Buendia may have to drop down to the Championship if he desires regular game time.

He would make the perfect fit for Farke’s side as he played a vital role in both of Norwich’s promotions in 2019 and 2021.

Especially three years ago when he scored 15 times and assisted 16 goals as the Canaries set a club record points total of 97 on their way to the Championship league title.

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Fabio Carvalho, Brentford

A more unrealistic target, but one that could change the course of the Championship promotion race, Fabio Carvalho would make the perfect number 10 for Leeds.

Although he only signed for Brentford from Liverpool for £27million in the summer just gone, he has only started two league games this season.

His dad took to Brentford’s Instagram recently after the club’s 0-0 draw against Everton, telling his son he needed to leave the club before the comment was deleted.

Carvalho spent the first part of last season at RB Leipzig before a successful January loan move to Hull City, in which he scored nine goals and made two assists in just 20 games.

Leeds tried to sign the 22-year-old before their Yorkshire rivals secured his services on loan from Liverpool.

Another short-term loan deal could be helpful for the Portuguese attacking midfielder and, unlike with Hull, he could help secure promotion for Leeds back to the Premier League, which would boost his confidence when he returns to Brentford.

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