Credit: Imago

Daniel Davis

Thu 26 March 2026 13:40, UK

Dan James is fighting for his Leeds United future and running out of time to win Daniel Farke over.

The forward looks set to leave Elland Road at the end of the season after being hamstrung by injury and poor form, and has been restricted to 17 appearances in all competitions.

James suffered a hamstring issue and missed the whole of December and January, and since then, he has failed to force his way into the Whites’ starting XI.

The 28-year-old was once again named in Wales’ squad for the current international break in what would have been a welcome respite from his nightmare at club level.

But James could still convince Leeds not to sell him, judging by his displays in training.

Dan James must prove ‘he’s back’

He made his first start after returning against Norwich City in the FA Cup on March 8, but James still looked to have sealed his Leeds future after a forgettable performance.

However, according to Whites captain Ethan Ampadu, the ace looks determined to take his final chance, having watched him impress in drills in recent weeks.

Ampadu told a Wales press conference: “It’s been very frustrating to see for him, that he’s had injuries. But when he’s been back and now, he’s flying in training. He’s doing really well.

“He’ll just want to get minutes under his belt and show everyone what we know he can do.

“I’ve trained with him every day and since he’s been back from his most recent injury, he’s been at the level we all know DJ can play. We know the threat that he is.

“I think he’s just relishing the opportunity to go and show everyone he’s back.”

James will be determined to catch the eye in Wales’ upcoming World Cup semi-final play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Farke will likely be keeping a close eye on him.

Should Wales progress to the final, they will take on either Italy or Northern Ireland – another potential opportunity for him to force a rethink from the Leeds boss.

Does James deserve another chance at Leeds?

Damningly, the goal-shy Whites haven’t scored in their last four Premier League matches.

While Dominic Calvert-Lewin has netted 10 times this campaign, he has not added to his tally since early February. His attacking team-mates have been similarly profligate.

James has also not found the back of the net this season, but he would offer much-needed thrust down the flank. The only question is whether he could rediscover his end product.

Based on his performances to date, he does not merit a second chance at Elland Road, but Farke may be left with little choice but to give him his opportunity over the coming weeks.

Leeds look painfully short of ideas in attack, and their four-point cushion over the Premier League relegation zone looks tentative at best heading into their run-in.

James is almost certain to be shipped out in the summer, but if he can play his part in keeping the club in the top-flight over the coming weeks, it would be a fine way to bow out.