Leeds United reporter Joe Donnohue has been speaking on a Facebook Live video to discuss the latest transfer news surrounding the Yorkshire club.
Over the last few hours, it has been reported the Yorkshire side have entered advanced stages in their negotiations for the potential signing of Manchester United’s Daniel James.
Would Daniel James start at Leeds?
Yes
No
The Welshman was not a prominent feature in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Premier League squad last season, which has since seen Jadon Sancho added to the ranks, alongside the expected return of Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, discussing whether Elland Road was the best destination for the 23-year-old this summer, Donnohue had the following to say on a potential move for James.
“I don’t think he’s an absolutely essential signing. I think if it was to happen, I think it will be on loan.”
“Why at this stage of the window [would it be a permanent deal]? I mean, it’s going to cost at least £15m/£20m to get him permanently. Why at this stage in the window would you then drop £20m on a player who is not guaranteed to start?
“Again, it doesn’t tally with the approach that Leeds’ recruitment has typically done.”
TIF Thoughts on James to Leeds…
Despite Donnohue’s claim, it seems James is set to join on a permanent deal after all. Journalist Fabrizio Romano has since suggested that the Welshman will join the Whites, with the clubs in the ‘final stages’ of discussions.
Marcelo Bielsa is said to be a long-term admirer of the Welshman, having tried to sign the winger before he made the move to Old Trafford back in 2019.
However, we do wonder where James would fit in the current Leeds starting XI.
With Raphinha impressing massively last season, we do not see James potentially coming in and taking the Brazilian’s spot in Bielsa’s first XI straight away.
Equally, Leeds have just made the signing of Jack Harrison permanent from Manchester City, and he too featured prominently out wide last season under Bielsa (via Transfermarkt), so he may have to fight for game time at Elland Road if the move is confirmed in the next day or so.
In other news: ‘Has all the hallmarks’ – Leeds teen tipped as ‘future captain’ at Elland Road