Dan James tipped to quit Leeds United for Premier League transfer
Robert Page believes Premier League clubs will be queuing up for the services of Leeds United winger Dan James this summer.
After struggling upon arrival at Elland Road following his £25million move from Manchester United in 2021, Leeds sent the attacker out on loan to Fulham last season in a bid to improve his fortunes.
However, James’ temporary stay at Craven Cottage didn’t go as planned, scoring just twice in 24 Premier League appearances. talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan also labelled him as “irresponsible” and a “waste of money” at Elland Road.
The 25-year-old is due back at Elland Road next week following his country’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Armenia and Turkey.
As reported by The Sun (11 June), Wales manager Page tipped James to seal a transfer this summer, saying: “If I’m a Premier League manager and I find out he’s available, I’d take him.
“I’m bound to say that because I’m his Wales manager but, for me, he always poses a threat.
“Dan took one for the team. It was a frustrating few months for him at centre-forward.
“He’s that option in behind and when you’ve got a tool like that in your armoury, it really is effective.”
Low on confidence
There is no doubt that James has all the tools to be a frighteningly good Premier League footballer.
However, over a sustained period of time now, he has struggled to find any level of consistency to get in and amongst the goals.
Amassing just two goals and one assist during his time at Fulham simply isn’t good enough for a player who cost Leeds a whopping £25million.
His pace and dynamism should terrorise defences across the country, but he lacks the end product to match.
There may be some potential suitors for the Wales international among some of the recently promoted clubs or other relegation teams, however, it is hard to see a transfer to any higher than this.
A season back in the Championship at Elland Road could be the antidote to his struggles, with the most fruitful year of his career coming during his time at Swansea City in the second division.
Leeds will likely wait until a new manager is put in post in West Yorkshire before making a final decision on James’ future.
In other Leeds United news, the EFL are still weeks away from given their official confirmation of the takeover deal according to Phil Hay.