Dan James reacts to Leeds United announcement
Dan James is vying to help Leeds United survive in the Premier League next season after helping the Elland Road club win the Championship title.
The Wales winger was heavily influential for the Whites in the second tier last term, notching 12 goals and nine assists in 36 league appearances.
Daniel Farke has rewarded the 27-year-old for his efforts, as Leeds handed James a new long-term contract.
The former Swansea City man is now tasked with re-adjusting to the Premier League, having excelled in the Championship throughout both of the last two seasons.
James reacts as Leeds release new away kit
Farke’s Leeds enjoyed strong away form in the Championship last season, winning 11 games and suffering just three defeats on their travels in the second tier.
The West Yorkshire side’s results at Elland Road will likely prove decisive in their Premier League survival bid, but Farke’s men will also strive to continue their robust tendencies on away soil.
Meanwhile, Leeds released their new away kit via Instagram on Thursday, 17 July, with the caption: “We march on!”
The Elland Road side’s announcement attracted a like from James, who scored just two goals in his last Premier League season.
Farke must sign striker to get the best out of James
James has previously struggled in the Premier League, scoring just two goals in 20 top-flight appearances on loan with Fulham during the 2022/23 season.
| Dan James stats | Championship 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 36 |
| Goals | 12 |
| Assists | 9 |
However, the 27-year-old has been prolific in the Championship, helping Leeds win a remarkable tally of 100 points in the second tier last campaign.
The former Manchester United man has proven that he is ready to make the step back up to the Premier League, as he has been too good for the Championship.
However, to get the best out of the winger, Farke should utilise the transfer market to pair the Wales international with a new striker.
Amid their efforts to survive in the top tier, Leeds have signed Lukas Nmecha from Wolfsburg.
But the Manchester City academy graduate scored just three goals in 19 Bundesliga appearances last season, and questions remain over whether Farke’s current first-choice striker, Joel Piroe, can bridge the gap to the Premier League.
Therefore, James may only be an asset for the Whites in the top flight if his side sign a Premier League-proven forward.
Elsewhere, Farke’s side have been tipped to sell Brenden Aaronson in an MOT Leeds News exclusive.