The latest transfer rumours for Leeds United include a potential move for a Premier League midfielder, with James McAtee emerging as a key target. Our analysis of the past seven days shows the club has been linked to six possible arrivals and two potential departures. The hottest storyline currently revolves around El Chadaille Bitshiabu, but below is the latest news on the most important transfer stories.
James McAtee
According to a report from The Daily Mail on Sunday, Leeds United are prepared to sign Nottingham Forest's English midfielder James McAtee. Chelsea are also reportedly ready to make a move for the 23-year-old. McAtee, who joined Nottingham Forest from Manchester City in a £30 million deal, has not been a regular starter this season. His contract at the club runs until June 2030. The midfielder has 24 caps and 8 goals for the England U21 team and has a current Transfermarkt market value of €23.00m.
Souffian El Karouani
On Saturday, it was reported that Leeds United is one of several interested parties in FC Utrecht's 25-year-old left-back Souffian El Karouani. The player's contract is expiring and he hopes to secure a transfer this winter. Fenerbahçe have made an official offer that is reportedly the best. A transfer for El Karouani did not happen last summer because Utrecht decided against conducting a transaction with Spartak Moscow.
Ruben Vargas
According to Team Talk on Sunday, intermediaries have offered Sevilla winger Ruben Vargas to Leeds. Previously, it was reported that Leeds United were preparing a €20 million offer to sign the 27-year-old Swiss attacker. Several other Premier League clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United, are also monitoring the player's progress. Leeds are seeking to add quality to their wing positions in January to improve their chances of remaining in the Premier League. Vargas joined Sevilla in January 2025, has a contract until June 2029, and has scored 3 goals and provided 4 assists in 12 LaLiga appearances this season.
Kalvin Phillips
On Monday, a transfer news expert reported that Manchester City are ready to include former Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips as part of a deal to sign Harry Gray.
El Chadaille Bitshiabu
According to BILD on Sunday, El Chadaille Bitshiabu will remain with the Bundesliga side in January despite interest from Leeds United and West Ham. This followed a report from Fussball Transfers on Friday which stated that RB Leipzig had decided not to sell the player in January, although the club would be willing to send him out on loan. On Thursday, TEAMtalk had reported that Leeds were hoping to sign him and that talks had already been opened with the German club.
Sebastiaan Bornauw
According to Bild on Wednesday, FC Köln have held internal talks over a possible January transfer for Sebastiaan Bornauw. The report suggests that Köln are likely to pursue a loan deal in the winter transfer period, as they look to take advantage of Bornauw’s limited playing time in the Premier League. Since his £5.1 million summer transfer, Bornauw has struggled to get into the starting lineup.
Jayden Bogle
On Sunday, it was reported that Everton are interested in signing Jayden Bogle from Leeds United to improve their defence. According to Football Insider, Everton is seeking a quality right-back and has identified the 25-year-old defender as a target after regular scouting left them impressed with his performances. A potential January transfer could be complicated because his contract runs until 2028, which means Leeds are under no pressure to sell.
For the latest updates, check the Leeds United club page.
