'Consummate professional' - why James' deal makes sense

Dan James' deal to remain at Leeds United for a further four years is a clever move by the club and deserved for the player.

The flying winger's popularity has grown with supporters since he returned from a loan spell at Fulham, a deal that felt like he did not want but was the wish of then head coach Jesse Marsch.

His assists and goal contributions since returning to Elland Road in the summer of 2023 have been impressive but more so has his attitude. The Wales international has never moaned about being cast out from the club he now calls very much home.

It is a home of course from which he had the keys snatched in 2019 when at the 11th hour Swansea City chairman Huw Jenkins refused to sanction Leeds' attempt to sign him as the January transfer window closed.

This is a player who immediately after being present for the birth of his son in Manchester flew by helicopter to play 90 minutes and score in a victorious penalty shootout for Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds side at Craven Cottage in a League Cup tie.

This is a guy who also bears the scars of playing for United.

His tousled fringe can barely hide the huge wound on his forehead incurred in a head clash with Southampton's Kyle Walker-Peters in the 2024 Championship play-off final defeat at Wembley.

Bloodied, bandaged but unbowed, James returned to the fray to almost take the game to extra time with a stunning volley that crashed off the crossbar.

Having almost rescued that first full season under Daniel Farke, James was essential to Leeds' Championship title victory and a return to the Premier League the following year.

What is more, with the club having to skilfully navigate the choppy PSR waters, the amortisation of the remainder of his original £25m transfer fee over another four years makes shrewd financial sense, as does keeping a loyal and consummate professional.

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