After spent the previous season with Fulham, Daniel James is ready for a pivotal summer.
Leeds United are prepared for life in the Championship after being relegated from the Premier League last month.
Sam Allardyce, who was parachuted in to guide them away from danger, was unable to do so, and the Whites are now looking for a new manager to assist them come out of the second tier at the first attempt.
Daniel Farke, the former Norwich City manager, is the current frontrunner for the Whites job. At the moment, bookmakers have him at 9/4 to succeed Allardyce at Elland Road, followed by Carlos Corberan and Steve Gerrard.
The news that Farke is in pole position will be pertinent to Wales star Daniel James, who is set to return to the Leeds ranks after a season on loan with Fulham.
According to the Athletic, the winger will be part of the plans in Yorkshire next season, whoever is in charge.
Farke is a noted admirer of James, having sought to sign him before he moved to Manchester United from Swansea City in 2019. He says he “always liked him” and explains why he couldn’t close a deal for the quick attacker.
“I’m not surprised by how good James has been,” Farke remarked shortly after the Welshman agreed to terms with United.
“I’ve always liked him, but when Manchester United called, there was no way we could get him!”
“To be able to deliver that quickly on this level says a lot about his character.”
Interesting stuff, especially if Farke is called.
James left Manchester after two seasons and eventually joined with Leeds, but when Jesse Marsch arrived, the decision was taken to loan him away, which some fans thought backfired.
James had an up and down season with the Cottagers, trying to get a starting spot, but his manager on the Thames, Marco Silva, singled him out for praise near the conclusion of the season.
“Definitely, definitely (happy with James),” he remarked following the victory over Everton.
“It wasn’t just him; I thought he and Harry Wilson played very well together.”
“As I previously stated, our two strikers do not fit this profile. They attack more from behind, and some opposing sides have found it easier to control the game in recent games.
“We lacked some runs in behind to punish them a little bit, and this game was important, so that was the plan.” Daniel James played a fantastic game, much better in the second half than in the first.
“And Harry Wilson had a fantastic game from start to finish.” They deserve it because they have worked so hard on the practice field to earn this opportunity. They acquired it and did well with it. I’m happy for them because we’re dealing with two outstanding professionals.”
Wales manager Rob Page expects James to play consistently next season, wherever that may be. The 25-year-old is expected to play a significant role in the next Euro 2024 qualifiers against Armenia and Turkey in the following ten days.
“I do think DJ (James) is a Premier League player,” Page stated.
“If I were a Premier League manager and found out he was available, I’d take him.”
“I’m obligated to say that because I’m his Welsh manager, but he’s always a threat to me.”
“He still has things to work on, but with his speed, it takes a brave team to take a high line against him.” I believe he could easily return to the Premier League.”
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