After sending Dan James out on loan on deadline day, reports suggest the Welshman may no longer have a future at Leeds United.
The West Yorkshire side had a very busy deadline day, failing to bring in Cody Gakpo or Bamba Dieng, but eventually bolstered their striking options with Italian starlet Wilfried Gnonto.
Incomings were not the only business Jesse Marsch’s side indulged in as they also sent James on loan to Premier League rivals Fulham in the final hours of the window.
After his departure, it has been questioned whether this could now be it for James at Elland Road, with journalist Dean Jones suggesting this could be the end of the line for him at the Whites – or they would not have sent him out on loan.
While James has hardly set the world alight during his stint at the club, we look at two reasons why his sale could cause problems for them.
Loss on investment…
Leeds bought the Wales international into the club from Manchester United back in September 2021 for a whopping £25m after failing to impress during his two years at Old Trafford.
It is not surprising they seem willing to sell the winger due to him only bringing in four goals and five assists in 40 appearances across all competitions – but there is one big problem with the potential sale.
There is surely no way they are going to be able to recoup the £25m they spent on him and therefore any sale to Fulham or another club is going to come with a financial loss, which could be a significant one if he does not impress this season.
Therefore, their eventual replacement for James may see Leeds take a backward step in terms of quality.
Could unsettle James…
James is currently on loan at Fulham and is therefore due to return to the club at the end of the season. This may make it dangerous for Leeds in their efforts to sell him as if the Cottagers decide against a permanent deal, they will have a player in their side who knows he is not wanted.
This can not only have a negative effect on the pitch, but off it as well. If James is well-liked in the dressing room, his teammates may not appreciate how he has been treated and could therefore, in turn, disrupt the harmony in the team – which is so important, especially when you are trying to stay alive in the Premier League.
TIF Thoughts…
This situation has the potential to be very dramatic and problematic for Jesse Marsch and the Leeds brass. Reporter Fabrizio Romano revealed the club were interested in a permanent deal, which is why James’ rumoured move to Tottenham Hotspur fell through.
If it does not work out for him at Fulham and the Cottagers decide not to bring him in permanently, this deal is going to blow up in Leeds’ face. There is no problem in wanting to sell a player, but they need to make sure they manage to do so for the good of all concerned.
Should Leeds sell James?Yes
No
|