James Justin transfer at Leeds United to open doors for Elland Road exit
Leeds United could potentially announce an exit as soon as they sign Leicester City defender James Justin this summer.
The 27-year-old was a regular starter for the Foxes in the Premier League last season, but they've been relegated to the Championship.
Justin has emerged as a target at Leeds as the Whites look to strengthen their squad ahead of the Premier League season.
The Leicester right-back could prove influential for Daniel Farke, and his arrival may lead to a departure from LS11.
Leeds United want an Isaac Schmidt replacement before his exit
Werder Bremen will sign Isaac Schmidt as soon as Leeds find a replacement, according to Deich Stube.
The news outlet reports (5 August) that the Bundesliga outfit are confident about the Switzerland international's arrival from Elland Road.
It's been claimed that the German club and the Whites are still in positive talks for the 25-year-old, but his exit is linked to an arrival in LS11.
- Justin signed for Leicester City in 2019.
- The 27-year-old suffered an ACL injury in the 2021/22 campaign.
- Last season, the right-back played 36 times in the Premier League.
Justin could potentially be the catalyst for the West Yorkshire outfit to sanction Schmidt's potential sale before the end of August.
The 27-year-old has vast experience in the Premier League, and his versatility to play across the backline would be invaluable for Farke.
While Jayden Bogle was the German manager's go-to right-back last season, the Leicester defender will undoubtedly give him a run for his money.
What will Justin bring to Leeds?
Justin has been a resolute defender for Leicester over the years, with a keen ability to block the ball, intercept, and win aerial duels.
When comparing the Englishman's performances in the Premier League last season to Bogle's in the Championship for Leeds, it's clear who the better defender is.
| Player | Appearances | Interceptions | Dribbled past | Clearances | Aerial duels won | Possession lost | Fouls |
| Justin | 36 | 1.3 | 0.6 | 3.2 | 1.9 | 11.1 | 0.8 |
| Bogle | 44 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 1.8 | 1 | 15.8 | 1.2 |
The Whites have signed some resolute players for their backline, like Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw, as they prepare for the English top flight's physicality.
While a return to the Premier League may tempt Justin, it remains to be seen whether the West Yorkshire outfit will sign him.
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