OPINION
January was a frustrating month for Leeds United, all because of one major reason – the collapse of a move for Swansea’s Daniel James which was all but completed.
The 21-year-old winger was on the verge of joining the Whites at the end of the last transfer window, in a loan move with a view to making the switch permanent in the summer.
Pass forward to June and the Welsh international is now about to join Premier League side, Manchester United after impressing significantly in the second half of the season at the Liberty Stadium.
Welsh teammate Joe Allen has recently revealed that he believes the collapsed move to Leeds was a blessing in disguise for James, who has the right tools to perform in the top flight.
Speaking to talkSPORT, the Stoke midfield revealed: “Leeds wouldn’t have been a bad move, of course not, but it has almost been a blessing it didn’t happen. In the second half of the season, I think there is plenty of clubs above that level who have come to the fore and that is the sort of bracket he is in now.”
“He looks ready to make the next step if I am honest. He has the potential to be a top player and I think he is ready for it.”
Many Leeds fans will not agree with Allen’s assessment, but he definitely has got a point. After the White’s failure at promotion, James would have been left in the Championship, but now has the chance to make a big statement in a big money move to Old Trafford.
James, 21, was in great form for Swansea this season, scoring four goals and assisting a further nine in his 33 Championship appearances. His electrifying pace scared every defender he came up against and will be a real asset to the Red Devil’s once he arrives for next season.
Andrea Radrizzani will be majorly disappointed at the news and will most likely look at Daniel James as the one that got away.