Credit: S4C

Daniel Lewis

Mon 1 June 2026 16:10, UK

Daniel James is hoping to put a disappointing personal campaign behind him when he returns to action with Leeds United.

The Wales international started just six Premier League matches for Leeds in 2025-26, while he totalled 554 minutes on the field in all.

James endured some injury setbacks, but he did at least manage a run of games at the end of the campaign.

While Leeds’ season may be over, the 28-year-old still has a couple more matches to play for his country this week.

Speaking ahead of those friendlies with Ghana and Romania, James’ comments will be music to the ears of Daniel Farke.

Daniel James already raring to go for Leeds next season

James did not score or assist a single goal in the Premier League last season for Leeds.

This is on the back of contributing to 21 goals the season prior as Leeds earned promotion back to the top flight.

As per Sofascore, James was Leeds’ worst-performing player in the most recent campaign, which says it all.

However, the niggling issues did not help and James is confident those problems are now behind him.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, James was asked if he sees these Wales games this week as a chance to now kick on at Leeds come August.

“Yeah definitely,” James said. “To get minutes at the end of the season was so big for me.

“Coming into these games, I can use it as fuel into next season. I’m looking forward to both games.”

With James now fit and clearly eager for minutes, he is expected to play a part in Wales’ games with Ghana in Cardiff and Romania in Bucharest over the next five days.

James has already made his Leeds future very clear

It would not be surprising at all to see James linked with an Elland Road exit as the summer goes on.

However, the Welsh winger recently made clear he is more than happy in West Yorkshire and does not plan on going anywhere.

“Stu [Dallas] obviously spent a very long time here, and he absolutely loved it,” James said last month.

“It’s something that I would absolutely love to do as well (seeing out my career here). Things change as I have had in my career, but ultimately, I feel great.

“I have really settled with the family, and it definitely feels like home.”

James is well loved among the Leeds fanbase, which is no easy feat given his Manchester United history.

If James can hit the ground running next season, which is very much possible, he will provide Farke with another option out wide who can change matches.

For now, let’s hope he comes through his country’s next two games unscathed.