Leeds fans can’t believe how much summer signing cost after Nottingham Forest display: ‘It’s a joke’
Leeds United cruised to a simple victory on Friday as they overcame Nottingham Forest 3-1 at Elland Road.
It was a dominant performance from Daniel Farke’s side, who have now pulled nine points clear of West Ham before their trip to Burnley on Saturday.
Fears of a Leeds collapse in form after their 4-0 defeat to Arsenal last weekend have diminished, with the Peacocks arguably putting in their most complete performance of the season against the Reds.
Many players were simply excellent, with Ilia Gruev putting in a great display for Leeds.
Another star who was quick to receive praise was James Justin, with the Elland Road faithful in awe of his recent displays.
💪 GET IN!!!! pic.twitter.com/DraychVNmD
— Leeds United (@LUFC) February 6, 2026
Leeds United fans hail James Justin after win over Nottingham Forest
Justin joined Leeds United in the summer for an initial £8million fee from Leicester City.
While there was speculation about the right-back’s ability upon his arrival, considering he had just been relegated with the Foxes, he has quickly proven his doubters wrong.
Over the course of the season, the defender has proven to be a core member of the starting XI, and he once again put in a fabulous display against Nottingham Forest.
Justin not only helped keep the backline secure throughout, but also contributed in attack, and picked up an assist for Noah Okafor’s goal.
This was noticed by many of the Elland Road faithful, who were quick to take to X after the match to praise his performance.
James Justin a superb signing. Absolute quality all season #lufc
— Diarmuid Nolan (@dermonolan91) February 6, 2026
Best performances of the season tonight from Okafor and Gruev. Justin superb. Bogle and Gudmundsson brilliant on the flanks. Midfield and centre half’s did the dirty work well. Aaronson never stopped, DCL a colossus in the air. Darlow solid.
— Talk About Leeds (C) 🏆 (@talkaboutlufcv2) February 6, 2026
Great night 🙌🏻 #LUFC
Shout out to James Justin…..had his doubters but proving indispensable …..another 8/10 performance #LUFC
— Freddy Freeloader (@Trekski) February 6, 2026
Gruev, Bogle, Justin & Gudmundsson all looked quality tonight. Could say the whole 11 to be honest #LUFC
— Lee Cox (@LeeCox1986) February 6, 2026
Many were also baffled at how they managed to get Justin for so cheap, with his signing being viewed as a bargain by the fans.
James Justin at 8 million is a joke btw#lufc
— Jacob Phillips (@JacobPhill02) February 6, 2026
James Justin has been an incredible signing for 8m. #lufc
— PJ (@PJ_Jenno) February 6, 2026
James Justin and Jayden Bogle absolutely unreal btw 👏 #lufc
— aidoc (@aidoc97) February 6, 2026
How good was Justin vs Nottingham Forest?
According to Fotmob on 7 February, Justin had a great game against Nottingham Forest.
The defender provided an assist, created four chances and completed four interceptions and four tackles.
| James Justin’s stats vs Nottingham Forest | |
| Minutes | 90 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Chances created | 4 |
| Interceptions | 4 |
| Tackles | 4 |
| Passing accuracy | 78% |
Therefore, his influence both offensively and defensively was fantastic, and proved to be a real difference maker against Nottingham Forest.
If Justin can keep this up between now and the end of the season, Leeds certainly won’t go down, and could even eye a mid-table finish before the end of the campaign.
However, the one thing that is certain, is that the purchase of the full-back has been an immense one so far by Farke.