Daniel James Credit: Imago
Leeds United sit 15th in the table, four points clear of the relegation zone and desperately trying to ensure they do not get dragged into the quagmire of the bottom three in the final seven games of the season.
The Whites have not won in their last six Premier League games, and most of it is down to their inability to hit the back of the net consistently in the last few weeks.
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Leeds have not scored a goal in 419 minutes of Premier League football, and their forwards and other attackers have gone missing in the last several games.
Daniel Farke also does not have better options on the bench, with players such as Daniel James making little to no impact in the final third this season.
The Whites haven’t seen Daniel James perform this season
James signed a new and improved contract last summer, which made him one of the highest-paid players in the squad. However, his performances have not been anywhere close to being good enough.
The Welshman has been reduced to the role of a bit-part player in the Leeds squad, and the Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth conceded that he has not been good enough.
He is a fan of the work ethic that James brings to the table, but pointed out that he has had little to no impact on games when given an opportunity this season.
Smyth said on the Inside Elland Road podcast: “It’s hard to think of the season and think when Dan James has really been able to do that [impact games].
“And I’m a massive fan of Dan James, as a player, a professional, as a person, I think he’s brilliant, but it’s not been his season.
“It is a difficult thing to do to ask him to go into that game, almost from a standing start, to go and produce your magic.
“Dan James will give you everything that should be said too; he will absolutely die for the cause, so in one sense, I can see why a manager would trust him, but in another, he’s had a really difficult season.”
He could be sold this summer
If Leeds United are in the Premier League next season, they’ll have some big calls to make on a few players when the summer window opens.
Daniel James is among the highest earners in the squad, and if he continues to play a limited role, the club could face a difficult decision in the months ahead.
Leeds can’t really justify having one of their top earners on the bench, so trimming the wage bill and moving players on to create room for upgrades may become necessary.
Daniel James – Leeds United 2025/26 Season Stats
Overall performance breakdown of Daniel James for Leeds United across all competitions
Statistic Value
Games 17
Goals 0
Assists 0
Minutes Played 485
If James remains a bit-part option, there’s a strong possibility the club will consider offloading him this summer.
The current 5-3-2 system under Daniel Farke also reduces the need for multiple wingers, which could further impact his future if Leeds stay up.