Leeds United embarked on a mini transfer window in the final fortnight before the summer deadline as Daniel Farke tasked the Elland Road transfer team with signing four new players.
Following the departures of Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter, Leeds had not signed any new players for a month following Jayden Bogle’s signing at the start of the club’s pre-season Germany tour.
But they eventually got it done, bringing in two new attacking players in the form of Largie Ramazani and Manor Solomon before striking deadline-day deals for Ao Tanaka and Isaac Schmidt, in the final hours.
James went from being one of the only options on the flanks, to facing hefty competition for his place in the starting line-up. Solomon, Ramazani, James and Wilfried Gnonto are all vying for a place in the XI.
James comments on Manor Solomon and Largie Ramazani
Solomon made a wonderful start to life following his move to Leeds on a dry loan from Tottenham. It was his first professional outing since September 2023 after tearing his meniscus, but it was impossible to tell.
Indeed, the Israel skipper laid on a crucial assist for Mateo Joseph to score and open the deadlock against Hull. Ramazani came off the bench for his debut and he showed plenty of signs of promise last week.
James has played with both previously and he told The Second Tier podcast that he thinks both are great additions: “I trained quite a few times with Largie before when he was 17 and he was a great prospect.
“He’s gone out to Spain, done well and he’s a great addition. I know Manor well, brilliant player, one that I’m sure the fans will be very excited by. He’s been very unlucky with injuries. I hope he can stay fit now.”
What Kevin De Bruyne said about new Leeds signing Solomon
Israel suffered a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the opening European Nations League fixtures, with Solomon captaining his side for 80 minutes before being withdrawn. Only his second outing in the last 12 months.
Prior to the match, Belgium and Man City superstar De Bruyne was full of praise for the Tottenham-owned star. De Bruyne said Solomon has the qualities to play at this level, describing him as an “excellent player”.
“I know Manor Solomon from the Premier League. From Fulham, Tottenham, and now he has moved to Leeds. He has the qualities to play at this level. He is an excellent player,” De Bruyne said this week.
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