Back in the summer, Wales manager Rob Page urged Leeds United star Dan James to leave the Elland Road club for a Premier League side – but now, James will be delighted to have stayed put.
James, 26, returned to Leeds in the summer having spent last season on loan at Fulham. A loan where he was supposed to get plenty of game time under his belt, ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
But it did not go to plan. Just 23 games for Fulham across the entire season, three goals. James had not had the chance to really get going at Fulham. With three years left on his deal, he returned to Leeds.
There were not many links with Premier League clubs. Perhaps, due to the fact James’ contract still has a considerable amount of time left to run and also, because he did not get going on loan at Fulham.
But, Page urged Premier League clubs to sign James – on BBC Sport: “I do think DJ (James) is a Premier League player. If I’m a Premier League manager and I find out he’s available, personally I’d take him.”
Rob Page wanted Dan James to leave Leeds in the summer
Well, from a Leeds point of view, thank goodness he stayed put. But for James, he too will surely be delighted that he ignored the advice from his National Team manager – and remained in a Leeds shirt.
He has been superb. His confidence restored, having a hand in eight goals in his 15 league games. The pocket-sized winger has scored four, and created four. Would he have done that in the Premier League?
Probably not. James needed a spell at a club where he was gong to start regularly, in a side that are playing attacking football. Leeds is the perfect place for him right now, to get his career back on track.
Even Page will surely admit that he got it wrong in the summer and given James is with Wales players Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu – he will too agree, that Leeds is the ideal place for the ex-Swansea man.
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