adminDan James has endured considerable frustration over the last two seasons as Leeds United have continued to make significant progress on the pitch.
The Welshman played a pivotal role in the Whites’ promotion back to the Premier League, registering 12 goals and nine assists during the 2024-25 campaign.
However, since returning to the top flight, he has started only six Premier League games and made just 25 appearances overall.
Injuries have played a major role in that, with the talented winger frequently picking up another issue only weeks after recovering from a previous setback.
Without wanting to tempt fate, the 28-year-old has remained fit so far, although his minutes have been limited, while he has started both Carabao Cup fixtures.
He even found the net in the 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, calmly finishing from inside the penalty area and leaving Matz Sels with no chance.
Leeds United surely sweating over Dan James’ fitness
James has evidently retained his trademark quality, as demonstrated by his goal at the City Ground, but Daniel Farke will need to manage his return to regular action carefully.
That could soon be beyond Farke’s control, though, with the international break approaching for Premier League players.
Many fans at Elland Road would have anticipated James being omitted from Craig Bellamy’s latest Wales squad given his lack of playing time.
Clearly, that has not happened, with the winger joining Harry Wilson, Ethan Ampadu and Jayden Lienou ahead of fixtures against Portugal and Denmark, Norway, and Denmark once again.
Does James have a future at Elland Road?
At present, there is nothing to suggest that the Whites are considering moving on from James, who has contributed so much to the club over the years.
He is currently under contract at Elland Road until the summer of 2029, after agreeing a fresh deal as recently as July last year.
If he can maintain his fitness, there is no reason why he cannot continue to play an important part in Leeds’ bid to climb the Premier League table this season.
Football Insider reported in February that Leeds had no intention of selling the attacker, despite him being sidelined with a long-term injury at the time. That stance should remain unchanged.
admin
