Mateusz Klich and Luke Ayling react to Dan James announcement at Leeds United
Dan James caught the attention of past and present Leeds United stars as a new announcement emerged from Elland Road.
Daniel Farke, who Paraag Marathe has now backed as Leeds manager, was without the soaring Welshman for the final few matches of the campaign, having suffered a hamstring injury last month.
Despite missing the final three matches of the season, in which the Whites scored 12 goals and conceded just one, the 27-year-old still notched 12 goals and nine assists as the team won promotion back to the Premier League.
Farke’s side even won the Championship title on the final day of the Championship season, clinching a late 2-1 win over Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, 3 May, thanks to Manor Solomon.
Dan James earns plaudits after incredible Leeds United campaign
Taking to Instagram (4 May), the official Leeds account wrote: “With 21 goal contributions this season, 52% of you have voted Dan James as your 2024/25 Adidas Player of the Year.”
Teammates Karl Darlow and Junior Firpo both liked the announcement, joined by former stars Mateusz Klich and Luke Ayling following another campaign to remember from the Welshman.
Daniel Farke to begin planning ahead of exciting Premier League campaign
Football Insider verdict
Concerns have been raised over Farke remaining in charge at Leeds ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, given his previous experiences in the top flight with Norwich City.
With just six wins from 49 games in the Premier League, few fans are sold on the idea of the German taking charge after the summer, leading to Jose Mourinho being linked with a move to Leeds.
| Manager | Games | Won | Drawn | Lost | Win % |
| Daniel Farke | 49 | 30 | 13 | 6 | 61.2 |
However, after such a stellar campaign in the Championship, it feels only fair to give Farke a chance to prove himself with the Whites, and 49ers Enterprises must back him during the summer.
While his team managed to win 100 points this term, the squad is not currently nearly good enough to compete in the Premier League, with relegation already expected by many opposition fans.
Signing Solomon on a permanent deal while keeping the likes of Willy Gnonto, Ao Tanaka, and Joe Rodon could be crucial this summer, but multiple signings will need to be made if safety is to be secured.