Daniel James’ story at Leeds United is like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
We all remember the documentary, right? Prime Video’s hit series about the Elland Road club documented that failed move.
The Welshman was all set to sign for the club in 2019. He’d put the jersey on and done the club media.
However, Swansea City didn’t pick up the phone, leaving the deal in limbo. It ultimately fell through. Alas, he finally joined Leeds in August 2021, although it hasn’t really been worth the hassle.
Why Dan James has struggled at Leeds
In 2018/19, when Leeds first tried to sign the speedy winger, James was one of the best players in the Championship.
In total that campaign, the Wales international bagged five goals and supplied ten assists. He was causing second-tier defences all kinds of problems.
As a result, he was the chosen one. Marcelo Bielsa viewed James as a player who could help fire them to promotion.
Once all was said and done, Leeds failed to go up after losing in the play-offs.
The story is remarkable. He later moved to Manchester United, but after scoring just nine goals in 74 games, their rivals across the Pennines came calling.
It sounds harsh but they may as well have not bothered. The simple fact is that James isn’t cut out for Premier League football.
In the Championship, he was sensational. In 2023/24, he scored 13 times. In 2024/25, he scored 12.
Yet, in the top flight, he has only ever scored four goals in 58 matches at that level for Leeds. It paints a picture of the difference in class between the divisions.
Down a level, James has the freedom of the pitch. His speed is so useful on the counter-attack. In the Premier League, though, the physicality has proven too much.
Why it’s time for Leeds to move on from Dan James
This is a Leeds team on the up and they have no room for passengers. It speaks volumes that even new signing and fellow Welshman Harry Wilson has not started the last four league fixtures.
If that’s the case, then James is never going to stand much of a chance of earning regular minutes.
|
Fewest minutes played at Leeds in 26/27 |
|
|---|---|
|
Player |
Mins played |
|
Jean-Matteo Bahoya |
1′ |
|
Michael Zetterer |
9′ |
|
Melvin Bard |
96′ |
|
Sean Longstaff |
144′ |
|
Dan James |
189′ |
|
Lukas Nmecha |
213′ |
Lo and behold, that’s been exactly the case. While the winger did score in the Carabao Cup win over Nottingham Forest, that remains his sole goal involvement this season.
He has played just 52 minutes of league football and a start doesn’t look like it’ll be forthcoming anytime soon.
It’s been a poor year for James, in truth. He played 21 times for Leeds last season but didn’t score or assist a single goal. It’s a wretched run of form. The wide man hasn’t scored in the league for over 17 months.
As a result, it is no surprise to see Noah Okafor preferred. It was no surprise to see them sign Jean-Matteo Bahoya on transfer deadline day either.
That said, there’s a replacement behind the scenes that no one is talking about.
How Leeds can replace Dan James
With Leeds sat fifth in the Premier League, this is a club that has ambitions of qualifying for European football.
They saw what Sunderland achieved last term and Daniel Farke’s men want a piece of that.
While Bahoya has rarely been seen, before too long you can expect him to make an Okafor-like impact at the top end of the pitch. For now, however, patience will need to be exercised with the young Frenchman.
Likewise, we must be patient with those in the academy. For James, the news that a number of their best young forwards have started the season impressively will not be welcomed.
Indeed, after scoring once and providing three assists in just two games, 19-year-old Harvey Vincent was nominated for September’s Premier League 2 Player of the Month award. He’s not the only one making waves at U21 level.
Indeed, back in August, another academy player by the name of Carrick Njinko was nominated for the same award.
He’s been lighting up the academy pitches of Thorp Arch, notably scoring four goals in his first two matches in the PL2. In a remarkable 4-4 draw with Middlesbrough in September, he scored another two.
In all competitions, Njinko has six goals in five matches. It’s a rip-roaring start to the season and one that should have James worried.
While the 18-year-old has been utilised as a centre-forward this term, he is a right winger by trade and, alongside Vincent, is ready to usurp James in the pecking order.
No player in the Premier League 2 has scored more goals this season, but he’s not just about finding the back of the net. The teenager works hard too. No striker in the division has made more defensive contributions. Njinko currently tops the charts with 3.9 per 90 minutes.
So, watch this space. Before too long, Farke may have an opportunity for the talented youngster in the first team. If he is thinking about including him, then it should be at the expense of an underperforming James.
