Leeds United are close to agreeing a new contract with crucial winger Dan James this week, with confirmation expected in the coming weeks once the player returns from holiday.
Alongside the business Leeds must conduct to improve on their current squad, retaining star players from their title-winning Championship squad is also vital for ensuring the club has sufficient depth for next season.
A handful of players see their contracts come to a conclusion in just over 12 months’ time, and therefore need a decision made before it’s taken out of Leeds’ hands.
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Dan James close to agreeing new Leeds United contract – The Athletic
The Athletic have shared on Tuesday afternoon that Leeds are now closing in on an agreement to tie key winger Dan James down to a new contract.
(Action Images/Andrew Couldridge)
Having been signed from Manchester United in the summer of 2021 for a £25million fee, James’ initial deal is due to expire in a year, which could have left Leeds vulnerable to losing a key asset in the process.
However, the Wales international is now expected to pen an extension on his deal once he returns from holiday, with an announcement due in the “coming weeks”.
Could Dan James be first subject of Leeds United, 49ers wage restructure?
Back when James joined the club from Man United, it was no shock that he was subject to a healthy wage offering at Elland Road, and also part of Andrea Radrizzani’s wave of relegation wage cuts that hit the squad across the board.
LeedsUnited.news reported previously that the 49ers are now looking to restructure the wage bill at the club, in order to address those players that remain at the club and have seen their full earnings restored following promotion – James being one of those.
Junior Firpo was in contract discussions at Leeds over a new deal, but on wages that better reflected a change in his squad role, and the same is likely to apply to James and any other forthcoming contract discussions for players signed prior to the 49ers’ takeover.
Better wage and transfer management is encouraging at Leeds United amid Dan James deal
Getting James tied down with a new contract is obviously a vital piece of business, because he could be really valuable for us in the coming season.
Whether or not he’s a starter after his Championship Player of the Season nomination is hard to predict, as Leeds are sure to look at signing a right-winger this summer, but his pace and pressing quality should be such a crucial asset when Leeds have less of the ball in the top flight.
Reflecting his role in the squad with a more sensible wage offering is something worth considering too, and the way Leeds are conducting shrewd business thus far, it wouldn’t be surprising if the wage bill doesn’t drastically skyrocket like the previous regime saw.