Wales celebrating after Daniel James' 'stunning goal' Credit: Imago
Leeds United have big games lined up after the international break. However, several of their players are involved in huge fixtures for their international teams.
Their Welsh contingent suffered a major heartbreak when they lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties in the semi-finals of the World Cup playoffs on Thursday night.
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The quartet will return to Leeds disappointed. However, the night started brilliantly when a Whites star produced one of the goals of the season.
Daniel James has had a difficult season at Leeds and has been reduced to being a bit-part player at Elland Road. However, he shone in a disappointing night for Wales.
The Daniel James everyone is talking about
Daniel James scored from miles out for Wales when he produced an instinctive volley that left everyone gasping for breath inside the stadium.
It’s the kind of moment that the Welshman has not produced for Leeds this season, but everyone knows that he is capable of pulling out these kinds of strikes.
BBC Sport pundit Nathan Blake was left stunned by what he saw from the Leeds star, and his words aptly summed up the moment.
He said on BBC One Wales: “That’s an unbelievable finish from James; none of us was expecting him to take that shot on.
“On the half volley, right footed, 20 yards out.
“Absolutely stunning goal.”
If you are going to watch anything today, watch Dan James’ opener for Wales against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
What a strike.
🎥 @BBCSportWalespic.twitter.com/2LMZJDdYUY
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) March 26, 2026
The night ultimately ended in disappointment for Wales. However, James provided a moment that will live long in the memories.
It could also be the highlight of his season as the Welshman is unlikely to be returning to the Leeds starting eleven for the run-in.
He has had little to no impact on games in a Leeds shirt, and one moment for Wales is unlikely to convince Daniel Farke.
He will likely leave in the summer
If Leeds United stay in the Premier League next season, they’ll have some big decisions to make when the summer transfer window rolls around.
Daniel James is one of the club’s top earners, and if his role remains limited, it could leave Leeds with a tricky call to make.
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
It’s hard to justify keeping one of your highest-paid players on the bench, so trimming the wage bill and reshaping the squad to bring in upgrades might be on the agenda.
If James continues as more of a fringe option, there’s a real chance Leeds could look to move him on in the summer.
Daniel Farke’s current 5-3-2 setup also reduces the reliance on wingers, which doesn’t exactly help James’ case if Leeds do manage to stay up.