How much James Justin deal could cost 49ers as Leeds transfer advances
Leeds United are edging closer to completing a deal for Leicester City right-back James Justin.
Justin has been linked with a move to Leeds throughout the summer.
Daniel Farke has already made improvements to his squad at Elland Road ahead of the Whites’ return to the Premier League. However, the German will be well aware that the last six teams to get promoted to England’s top flight have all gone straight back down.
As a result, he will want to add as many options to his Leeds squad as possible, and bringing in a player with Premier League experience, such as Justin, could prove to be a shrewd move.
Leeds deal for Justin to cost more than £13.8million
Justin looks set for an instant return to the Premier League after Leicester were relegated last season.
Leeds have completed seven signings this summer, and with Dominic Calvert-Lewin reportedly set to become their eighth, it looks as though the striker could soon be followed through the doors at Thorp Arch by his fellow countryman.
As reported by talkSPORT’s Alex Crook via X on Friday, 15 August, Leeds are advancing in a move for Justin. However, how much will the defender cost the Whites in total?
As previously reported by The Telegraph on Friday, 1 August, Justin is valued by Leicester at £6million.
The 27-year-old currently earns £30,000-per-week at the King Power Stadium, according to Capology. Therefore, if Leeds were to match Justin’s current wages over a five-year deal, his contract would be worth £7.8m in total.
However, Justin is likely to get a pay rise upon his potential move to West Yorkshire, which means any move for the Englishman will cost Leeds more than £13.8m in total, when the transfer fee is also taken into consideration.
Who will start for Leeds – Justin or Jayden Bogle?
Leeds will host Everton at Elland Road on Monday, 18 August, in their Premier League opener.
Jayden Bogle is an injury doubt for the clash with Everton after being Farke’s go-to right-back last season in the Championship.
However, beyond the game against the Toffees, Bogle will expect to feature regularly after finishing in the Championship’s Team of the Season last year.
- Bogle played 44 times in the Championship for Leeds last season
- He scored six goals and provided five assists from right-back
- The 25-year-old’s pre-season preparations have been disrupted by injury
Therefore, if Justin does arrive, he will face fierce competition for a starting spot. However, the Leicester man boasts 49 more Premier League appearances than Bogle and is a couple of years older.
As a result, Justin might be seen as an upgrade on Bogle and could be Farke’s new number-one option at right-back, especially if the Whites are preparing to pay more than £13.8m for his signature.
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