Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Tue 12 May 2026 11:19, UK

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Dan James has experienced an incredibly difficult 2025-26 campaign, all while Leeds United battle to stay in the Premier League.

Safety in the division has been confirmed, with Daniel Farke earning his plaudits at Elland Road, especially after a dramatic turn in results in the second half of the season.

The Whites also managed to reach the FA Cup semi-finals before bowing out to Chelsea, so it has been a season to remember for those in West Yorkshire. For everyone, maybe except James.

Due to multiple injuries, the 28-year-old has just five Premier League starts to his name, despite notching 21 goal involvements last term, and James’ future has become shrouded.

Dan James faces an uncertain future at Leeds United

The Welshman’s contract runs until the summer of 2029, but given his struggles on the sidelines, it has been suggested that he could be on his way out of Elland Road in the coming months.

Football Insider understands that, while Leeds are concerned by James’ latest injury, there are no plans to offload him this summer, and Farke’s latest quotes would suggest that the manager is fighting his corner.

With Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson unavailable for the trip to North London on Monday, 11 May, Farke decided to start the Welsh international as a right-wing-back, bizarrely.

Despite having Sebastiaan Bornauw, Sam Byram, and even Willy Gnonto on the bench, the manager went with an unorthodox decision to start James out of position.

While it wasn’t the most successful of moves, it certainly proved Farke’s desire to keep the player this summer.

Daniel Farke has made his feelings clear ahead of the summer

Instead of backing other players in the squad, Farke felt it necessary to play James out of position, and while he struggled, it made his intentions clear ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Speaking after the game, Farke said, “James had to play at wing-back for the first time in his club career. I did not have any other options. No Gudmundsson or Bogle.

“Bornauw could have played there, but I wanted to attack the game. DJ has trained well and deserved this chance,” thought that might say more about Bornauw than it does anyone else.

There are just two games remaining of the current campaign, so James has a couple more chances to prove that he is still the same player he was last season. He just needs time to get his career back on track.

Injuries can often ruin a footballer’s career. Farke clearly doesn’t want that to happen to his speedy winger, and he’ll do anything in his power to make sure he’s not a player sold this summer.