Paul Robinson reacts as Leeds United seal deadline day swoop for Daniel James
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Daniel James is a “fantastic” signing for Leeds United but Paul Robinson feels the winger wasn’t a priority signing on deadline day.
Leeds wrapped a club-record deal to sign the 23-year-old Wales international on Tuesday.
As per the Independent, the Whites are paying £25million up front for the former Swansea attacker with a further £5million paid in add-ons that will take the overall deal above the figure splashed out on Rodrigo last year.
While Robinson is happy to see that Marcelo Bielsa signed a long-term target, he claims Leeds had more pressing issues than signing James.
“James is a player that Bielsa has obviously liked for a long time and the opportunity to get him now was too good to turn down,” Robinson told MOT Leeds News.
“It’s a shame they didn’t get him for the £7million they wanted to in 2019 and instead they’re now paying £25million.
“I don’t think it’s a position they were short in with Jack Harrison and Raphinha unless Bielsa’s now looking to play a different system and put Raphinha more central in a free role.
“At the moment, I think it’s competition for places and strengthening the squad.
“He’s a fantastic player but I think there were other areas of the squad that needed attention as well as the James signing.”
Leeds went into the summer transfer window in need of a left-back and a central midfielder more than anything else.
They signed Junior Firpo from Barcelona early on but the hunt for a central player went on and on with the Whites failing in pursuits of Conor Gallagher and Lewis O’Brien.
James’ arrival was met with Helder Costa being loaned out to Valencia while Kristoffer Klaesson also joined the Whites to serve as the second-choice goalkeeper after Kiko Casilla joined Elche, also on loan.
In other Leeds United news, a Sky Sports pundit blown away by this “phenomenal” deal at Elland Road.