A roundup of the latest Leeds United news as the Whites prepare to face Southampton at Wembley Stadium.
There’s little doubt that Leeds United are only a few days away from the most important game in their recent history. After missing out on automatic promotion on the final day of the regular season, the Whites have one more chance to secure a place in next season’s Premier League this weekend when they face Southampton in the Championship play-off final.
It promises to be a day of contrasting feelings, with Sunday’s Wembley winner celebrating his return to the top flight at the first time of asking. The loser, meanwhile, will face another season in the second tier, forcing them to trim their cloth proportionately. It’s basically all or nothing, and Daniel Farke will do everything he can this week to ensure the Whites can travel confidently with their game plan. The Yorkshire Evening Post has compiled a roundup of the most recent Leeds United news before of the match.
Leeds and Southampton ‘eye McAtee’
The victor of Sunday’s play-off final is expected to make James McAtee one of their top targets in the summer transfer window. According to Give Me Sport, both Leeds and Southampton are interested in the Manchester City player, who has spent the season on loan at Sheffield United, with a permanent deal being discussed.
The clubs will have understandably begun to plan for the summer, with targets identified for both scenarios, and McAtee is apparently top on their respective lists. The story goes on to state that City would be willing to sell the England U21 international this summer if an offer met their £20 million estimate.
McAtee has made seven Premier League games in his young career, although he has spent the majority of the last two seasons on loan at Bramall Lane, where he has made 75 appearances in total. He was a vital figure in the Blades’ promotion from the Championship in 2022-23, and despite the club’s problems in the Premier League, he was a player who drew attention.
Sutton’s verdict
Chris Sutton believes Southampton will defeat Leeds United in this weekend’s Championship play-off final. The former striker turned pundit has seen plenty of both teams this season, and he attended both of Leeds’ play-off semi-final games against his former side Norwich City.
Despite Leeds’ confidence following their 4-0 thumping of the Canaries last time out, Sutton believes Southampton has been the more impressive of the two this season and predicts the south coast club will win.
“Before a ball was kicked in the play-offs, I thought Southampton would be the team to come back up,” Sutton told the podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off.
“I just think they’ve been so good under Russell Martin this season. They have belief and momentum. It’s a tough question, but if I had to pick a team, I would go with Southampton over Leeds United.”
“Before a ball was kicked in the play-offs, I thought Southampton would be the team to come back up,” Sutton told the podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off.
“I just think they’ve been so good under Russell Martin this season. They have belief and momentum. It’s a tough question, but if I had to pick a team, I would go with Southampton over Leeds United.”
