It has been a busy couple of days for Leeds United and more news is on the horizon with Dan James set to put pen to paper on a new contract at Elland Road.
The 27-year-old finds himself in the final year of his contract at Leeds, having agreed a five-year deal with the club when he joined under Marcelo Bielsa in 2021 from Manchester United for a whopping £25m.
James endured a difficult first couple of seasons at Leeds, the second of which saw him loaned out to Fulham by Jesse Marsch. However, he returned after Leeds’ relegation and starred under Daniel Farke.
One of three players to be nominated for the Championship Player of the Season trophy after 21 goals and assists in 37 Championship games, James is now set to put pen to paper – but there is a surprise.
Dan James celebrates scoring for Leeds United.
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Dan James signs new long-term deal at Leeds United
The ever-reliable Mike McGrath writes on The Telegraph’s website on Wednesday that James has signed a long-term contract at Leeds. It is likely, given the wording, that such a deal takes James into his thirties.
The surprise being that initial reports said that James had been offered a two-year contract by Leeds, only taking him a year beyond his current contract at Elland Road. But, Leeds have sorted his long-term future.
Daniel Farke smiles ahead of Leeds United and Plymouth Argyle.
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Interestingly, Leeds only have two players contracted to the club beyond the summer of 2028 – and they are new signings Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw. They have signed deals until June 2030, and 2029.
Angus Kinnear and Everton left frustrated by James deal
Previous reports also suggested that James is a target for Everton this summer. Given his current contract situation, David Moyes’ side had been keen on a move for the Welshman with Angus Kinnear in situ.
Angus Kinnear ahead of a Leeds United match.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
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Leeds will face Everton in their first game of the Premier League season, with Farke’s men welcoming Kinnear and co. to Elland Road on August 18, a Monday night fixture. James will be wearing a Leeds shirt.
What will be interesting is that Jack Harrison could now face the club he has spent the last two seasons with, if Leeds choose to incorporate him moving forward. The chances are though, that Harrison leaves.
But what is for sure regarding the latest reports, is that Leeds have moved to sort James’ future out – not only over the next couple of years, but beyond that. Nothing less than the Welsh winger deserves.