adminLeeds United winger Daniel James could be nearing the end of his time under Daniel Farke following everything that has unfolded at Elland Road over the past few months.
James has found it difficult to secure consistent playing time at Leeds since the club returned to the Premier League last year.
Last season, the Welsh international made only six Premier League starts, featuring for a total of 553 minutes.
So far this campaign, James is yet to make a Premier League start, with just 22 minutes of action to his name and no involvement in two matches.
James can undoubtedly be a dangerous option for plenty of teams thanks to his pace and ability to contribute in the final third, but there are growing questions over how he will find regular opportunities at Leeds.
The 28-year-old, who joined Leeds for a fee of around £25 million back in 2021, could potentially be heading towards the exit in the near future if his limited minutes continue.
At present, Farke’s preferred formation involves two attacking midfielders operating behind a striker, meaning there is no place for traditional wingers in the starting XI.
The players occupying those positions are better suited to playing as number 10s who can move into wider areas, rather than staying as conventional touchline wingers like James.
The former Manchester United forward isn’t the kind of player who naturally operates in the pockets, as his strengths are more evident when he can stay wide and get chalk on his boots.
James has occasionally featured as a wing-back during his Leeds career, but his prospects of getting minutes in that position have been reduced by the club’s activity during the summer transfer window.
Leeds brought Melvin Bard to the club, giving them another option on the left side, while they also strengthened their defensive options with several additions at centre-back.
That should reduce the occasions when James Justin needs to operate as part of a back three, leaving Leeds with two options at right-back.
James could move on soon
With James struggling to fit into Leeds’ current system, it may be time for him to consider a move away in the near future.
He remains under contract until 2029, making next summer a potentially suitable opportunity for Leeds to cash in.
Turning 29 in November, James is unlikely to see a dramatic improvement in his game, and if Farke sticks with his current tactical setup, securing regular minutes will be extremely challenging.
There is little doubt that James is a capable backup option at right-back, but he simply doesn’t fit the profile required to operate in one of Leeds’ number 10 positions.
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