Leicester City urged to pursue ‘unsettled’ Man City talent – Opinion
With the January transfer window approaching, Leicester City prepares to explore opportunities.
Funds are expected to be available for Leicester City in the winter transfer window, and while defensive reinforcements may be the priority, the attacking line also requires attention.
Loan deals will need careful consideration, but there might be an opportunity to secure a cut-price deal for a promising, young English talent.
Leicester City Should Target James McAtee
One potential January acquisition is James McAtee from Manchester City.
According to The Telegraph, McAtee is reportedly unsettled at the Etihad Stadium after being overlooked by Pep Guardiola, despite Manchester City’s struggles.
The 22-year-old has made just two appearances across all competitions this season, even amid City’s injury crisis.
Leicester would face stiff competition from several Premier League and Bundesliga clubs but have been monitoring McAtee for some time.
The Foxes considered a loan move for him last season, and the player is familiar with Leicester’s new assistant manager Brian Barry-Murphy, who previously worked at Manchester City.
With only 18 months left on his contract and in urgent need of regular first-team football, McAtee represents a potentially shrewd investment.
His experience from a loan spell at Sheffield United, where he played in challenging situations, further enhances his suitability as a valuable addition to Leicester’s squad.
Pep Guardiola’s Views on McAtee
Although McAtee has yet to secure a place in Manchester City’s star-studded lineup, Guardiola holds him in high regard.
The England U21 international has been described by Guardiola as a “special player” with notable potential.
During the summer, Guardiola expressed curiosity about what McAtee could bring to the team.
However, the youngster’s opportunities have remained limited, and Guardiola’s most recent comments suggest his situation is unlikely to change soon.
Guardiola explained:
“Maybe it is unfair, maybe I’m wrong—it has happened in the past—but I had the feeling that in tough moments, the players who have proven themselves in the past must lead us to turn things around.”
This could open the door for Leicester to make a move, securing McAtee’s talents for their ongoing campaign.
