(Credit: Imago)

Who is James Hill? Meet the defender Daniel Farke wants to sign for Leeds United

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

Published on:

21 Aug 2025, 3:29 pm

Leeds United may have already signed several defenders, but they could be about to add another one in James Hill.

Leeds secured an early deal for Jaka Bijol, although he was absent for the Premier League opener against Everton through suspension.

Leeds have since signed Sebastiaan Bornauw, while Daniel Farke opted with Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk against the Toffees.

Now, the Whites have been credited with interest in Bournemouth defender Hill, but who is he?

Bijol is now available following his suspension (Credit: Imago)

James Hill's journey so far: From Fleetwood Town to Bournemouth

Leeds were interested in Hill during his Fleetwood days, with the Yorkshire club checking on the defender in 2021.

Now, Leeds want to sign Hill again, with one year remaining on his contract, and Farke a big admirer.

The centre-back comes from a footballing family, with his father, Matt, representing Bristol City, Preston North End, and Wolves during his career.

Hill is 23 years of age, six feet tall, and currently wears the number 23 shirt for the South Coast club.

The Bristol-born defender came through Fleetwood's academy and became their youngest ever first team player, making his debut aged 16.

Came through the ranks at Fleetwood
Represented the England under-21s in 2022
Now a squad player at Bournemouth

Hill signed for Bournemouth in 2022 for a reported fee of around £1million, which was a club-record fee for the Cod Army.

The Englishman was loaned out to Hearts and Blackburn Rovers and has made 25 appearances for Bournemouth so far.

Leeds boss Daniel Farke gives a thumbs up

Farke has given Hill the thumbs up (Credit: Imago)

What would James Hill bring to Leeds United?

Hill came on as a late substitute in Bournemouth's defeat to Liverpool, and he is expected to cut a peripheral figure at the Vitality Stadium.

That means that a move to Elland Road could be on the agenda so that he can play more first-team football.

Strengths:

Progressive: The 23-year-old is a ball-playing centre-back and is comfortable bringing the ball forward with progressive passes.
Versatility: Though primarily a centre-back, Hill is adaptable and can be deployed in a back three or even as a right-back.
Pace: He is quick on his feet and can cover space effectively.

Weaknesses:

Aerial duels: He tends to be outmuscled in aerial challenges.
Rash: Hill tends to rush into his defensive actions.
Long balls: While he attempts them often, he struggles to execute long passes.

Hill would provide a different skill set to what is already on offer in Farke's defence, given the influx of big players.

With the end of the transfer window on the horizon, the centre-back could soon be wearing the white of Leeds.

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Daniel Farke

James Hill