Credit: Leeds United Official

Max Wilkins

Thu 7 May 2026 8:40, UK

Daniel James is leaning on Stuart Dallas’ experience to sway his career at Leeds United.

The Wales international has had a difficult season at Elland Road after dealing with various injury woes throughout the year.

He has played just one minute of Premier League football since mid-March after picking up an adductor injury just weeks after his long-term hamstring problem.

That has left Daniel Farke little choice but to utilise other options as he’s been without the 28-year-old on multiple occasions.

That hasn’t stopped James from dreaming about his future at Leeds, with former teammate Dallas acting as his inspiration in LS11.

Daniel James lays his Leeds United future out bare

The Welshman has been in Yorkshire for a long time now, even after his initial move from Swansea City fell through at the very last second.

Over seven years later, the winger has become part of the furniture at Elland Road, even if injuries have impacted his availability.

That has seen many question where his future lies as his fitness continues to raise questions over his future under Farke.

That doesn’t appear to be in the attacker’s mind as he clearly wants to see out the remainder of his career in LS11.

Speaking on The Official Leeds United Podcast, James revealed his inspiration in Dallas, who was acting as podcast co-host, after being asked whether he could end his playing career at Elland Road.

He said: “Yes, definitely. I think Stu [Dallas] obviously spent a very long time here, and he absolutely loved it.

“It’s something that I would absolutely love to do as well. 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.

“But you know it’s down to me to go and perform on the pitch. I think when you sign contracts, obviously, it is not always that you stay here for the full time, but I would absolutely love to do that.

“But, again, it’s down to me to go and perform to stay here. You know, not to prove to everyone but to prove to myself.”

James’ future may be out of his hands at Leeds, although it is clear that he has the passion and drive to continue.

James has had so many injury problems at Elland Road

The forward may have his sights set on securing his long-term future in LS11, but that choice may be out of his hands.

After joining the Whites in the summer of 2021, he has picked up five separate injury problems, which has to be a concern.

That has already seen him miss 28 games during his spell at Elland Road, limiting him to just 18 appearances this season.

Farke will see that as a worry, but it is clear that James’ head is in the right place to be a useful member of the squad in Yorkshire.

It will be interesting to see how long the Welshman lasts with the Whites, with injuries likely to play their part in any sort of decision.