Paraag Marathe, Daniel James, Leeds United.
(Credit: Imago)
Evan Shaw
Tue 24 June 2025 18:41, UK
Daniel James is expected to play a major role for Leeds United in their return to the Premier League next term.
The Welshman has taken his game to another level in the last two seasons, which have seen him drastically improve his end product.
After addressing that issue, which had been labelled against him for several years previously, he is now surely in for a successful step up to the top flight.
James has become a crucial part of Daniel Farke’s plans in West Yorkshire, and his importance can be evidenced by the fact that he kept the likes of Largie Ramazani out of the side for the majority of the campaign.
The Whites’ squad will surely alter fairly dramatically as they prepare for the upcoming season, and their promotion could easily have an impact on the likes of James.
Daniel James
James has become a crucial part of Farke’s side. (Credit: Imago)
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James close to signing a new contract at Leeds
Leeds have been working hard to provide security for themselves in regards to James’ future, and it now appears that the 49ers have reached a breakthrough.
The former Manchester United and Swansea City man is currently under contract at Elland Road until the end of the 2025/26 campaign, but he is now close to agreeing as new deal, according to The Athletic (24 June).
The 27-year-old is currently away on holiday, but all parties are confident that the deal will be agreed.
The decision to hand James a new deal can be considered a bold call by the 49ers given his previous lack of impact in the Premier League, but supporters will be fully behind a decision branded as a “remarkable turnaround” by The Athletic.
Dan James celebrates scoring for Leeds
James is close to agreeing a new deal at Leeds. (Credit: Imago)
James is better prepared for the Premier League now
It is no surprise that tying James down was one of the main priorities at Elland Road this summer.
The wideman was exceptional for Farke’s charges as they raced to the Championship title, and his final tally of 12 league goals and nine assists represented an excellent return from what was arguably the best season of his career so far.
League Apps Goals Assists
Championship 109 29 23
Premier League 106 12 12
James’ Championship stats, vs Premier League stats.
Upon reflection, his move to Manchester United was probably too big a step after leaving his boyhood club. Since then, James has struggled to be a consistent performer in the Premier League.
However, that could prove to be a totally different story this year. The 57-cap Wales international has really found his place in this Leeds team, and his value to the side really cannot be overstated.
He has made great strides in his game over the last two years, and the Premier League will surely see a very different version of James this time around.
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