Guardiola’s FA Cup Final Snub Fuels Leeds United Links to McAtee
Pep Guardiola’s decision to exclude James McAtee from Manchester City’s FA Cup final squad has reignited speculation surrounding the midfielder’s future—particularly renewed interest from Leeds United.
McAtee has been a standout performer for City in the FA Cup this season. The 22-year-old made headlines with a dazzling hat-trick during City’s dominant 8-0 demolition of Salford City—making him the club’s top scorer in the competition.
Yet despite his contribution to the club’s FA Cup journey, McAtee was not just left out of the starting XI for the final—he wasn’t even named among the substitutes. The omission has raised eyebrows, especially considering how instrumental he has been during the earlier rounds.
Midfield Snub Raises Questions Over McAtee’s Future
McAtee may understandably feel frustrated by the decision, particularly in light of the player chosen in his place. Guardiola opted to give 19-year-old Claudio Echeverri his debut appearance for the club, bringing the teenager on in the 76th minute. For McAtee, it was a harsh reminder that opportunities at Manchester City are far from guaranteed.
This move has only added momentum to ongoing transfer speculation. McAtee’s absence from the final has amplified existing rumors that he could be preparing for a move away from the Etihad.
Leeds and Others Monitoring McAtee’s Situation
Leeds United are reportedly among a dozen clubs keeping close tabs on McAtee’s situation. Daniel Farke’s side had already made an inquiry about the midfielder last season, but Guardiola was firm in his decision to retain the talented academy graduate at the time.
Now, however, circumstances may be shifting. Reports suggest that City are valuing McAtee at £25 million, but with his current contract running until the summer of 2026, the club risks losing him for free in the long term if a contract extension is not agreed upon.
More Playtime Could Await at Elland Road
Leeds are not alone in their pursuit. Other clubs—including Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, Newcastle United, and even AC Milan—are reportedly monitoring McAtee’s performances and availability closely.
One clear advantage for McAtee, should he make the move to Elland Road, would be the promise of more consistent first-team minutes. At a club like Leeds, his path to regular football would likely be far smoother than at a top-tier Premier League side filled with international stars.
Guardiola Has a Year to Convince Him
As it stands, Guardiola has a limited window to show McAtee that he has a long-term future at Manchester City. The next few months may prove crucial in deciding whether McAtee becomes a mainstay at the Etihad—or if this summer marks the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
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