Why Leeds United signing Daniel James on loan would be a real coup
According to The Telegraph, Leeds United could make a renewed attempt to sign out-of-favour Man United winger Daniel James on loan when the transfer window reopens next month.
The Whites had been heavily linked with a move for the 23-year-old Welsh international in the summer but United decided to keep hold of him after failing to sign a new winger. Leeds eventually roped in Raphinha from Rennes as a part of their summer recruitment drive.
However, James has found himself down the pecking order this term, and as per the report, Leeds could be back in the market for his services in January.
Profile
Daniel James rose through the youth ranks of Hull City before completing his footballing education at Swansea City. He made his senior debut for the Swans in the FA Cup in the 2017-18 season after spending time on loan at Shrewsbury Town in League One.
The 23-year-old made his Championship breakthrough during the 2018-19 campaign and emerged as one of the best rising talents in the second tier, accumulating 4 goals and 7 assists in 33 league appearances.
That prompted Man United to offer him a route to the Premier League last summer and James made an immediate impact, scoring 3 goals in his first 4 appearances for the Red Devils.
However, things have gone downhill for the Welsh wonderkid over the past 12 months. James has managed only 2 goals in his last 48 appearances for United, with his lacklustre form pushing him down the pecking order at Old Trafford.
James could be a useful signing for the Whites
Leeds United made a promising start to life in the Premier League but have gradually tailed off over the past few weeks. With the January window knocking on the door, Marcelo Bielsa should look for some impact signings in the market next month.
While bringing in defensive reinforcements should be high on the club’s agenda, the West Yorkshire outfit also need to address depth issues at the other end of the pitch. Patrick Bamford has been a bright spark in front of goal but Leeds have lacked significant goal contributions from the wide areas.
Jack Harrison and Helder Costa made a bright start to the campaign with a string of impressive displays but have faded away in recent weeks. Raphinha has shown his quality in patches after being gradually phased into the mix by Bielsa but Leeds can certainly do with more cover out wide.
Daniel James could be an inspired addition to the Whites’ ranks during the mid-season trading period. The Welshman’s lightning pace, coupled with his versatility to operate on either flank, would add some much-needed cutting-edge to Leeds’ attack in the coming months.
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Verdict
Daniel James might have struggled for consistency at Man United but that’s only normal for a young player. The 23-year-old still has his best years ahead of him and given his potential, Leeds United could have an absolute gem on their hands if Bielsa manages to work his magic on the Welsh international.
