Leeds United must make contract decision with Dan James after what he did
Leeds United have to take control of the contract situation of Dan James before it becomes too late.
The Wales winger, 27, took Tuesday night’s game against Middlesbrough [10 December] by the scruff of the neck, scoring what turned out to be a superb decisive goal to restore a lead that became a 3-1 win over Boro at Elland Road.
The win became even more impactful given both Burnley and Sunderland dropped points in their respective home fixtures in the Championship.
James has shown himself to be one of several match-winners, but his sheer ability has been demonstrated time and again to be superior to the Championship.
He is out of contract at Leeds in the summer of 2026, as the position the club find themselves in begins to become slightly more precarious.
Leeds United must tie down Dan James ASAP
James is, at the moment, undroppable for Daniel Farke. Despite Leeds’ compact squad which has undergone a period of injury struggles, the wide areas are where Farke has had more freedom of choice.
However, the Welshman has become increasingly vital to a promotion bid that is now beginning to gather momentum. Leeds take on Preston, Oxford and Stoke in their next three fixtures – all tucked in alongside each other between 17th and 19th.
It’s the Championship, of course, and rarely do all the top three or four teams win in unison on any given matchweek. However, Leeds should be vying for a ruthless nine points from these upcoming three with the likes of James in the form he is experiencing.
Having arrived in 2021, James’ current contract remains the one he signed when moving from bitter rivals Manchester United. His loan to Fulham in 2022-23 indicated there has always been, and will always be, Premier League interest in his services.
Many stars were lost to the Premier League in the summer which even the most optimistic at Elland Road saw coming. But James remained, and is fast becoming the main man in a non-negotiable promotion mission this time around.
A new contract may be a fair sight easier once James knows which division his club will compete in next term, but the club must give all they have realistically got to keep their star turn.
In other Leeds news, potential concern for Willy Gnonto after the Middlesbrough win.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.