Why Leeds United are struggling to reach an agreement with Dan James over a new contract

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While there is an obvious focus on making new signings at Leeds United, there is also the need to protect what the club has and keeping Dan James at Elland Road is obviously top priority.

James had a hand in 21 goals last season and was nominated for the Championship Player of the Season award, losing out to Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hamer – who could end up joining Leeds this summer.

The Wales ace has rejuvenated his career under the guidance of Daniel Farke, after his first two years on the books at Leeds did not go to plan. He was forced to play up front by Marcelo Bielsa, going on loan.

But James’ long-term future at Leeds is in doubt. The pocket-sized speed machine is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract and The 49ers are in talks to extend the former Swansea star’s stay.

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Impasse in talks between James and Leeds over contract length

LeedsUnited.News had been told that talks were ongoing between James and Leeds, with the winger being offered a deal worth a whole lot less than the one he signed in 2021 – reflecting current stature.

Not just for James, but this approach is being adopted for the whole squad. Now, The Sun’s Alan Nixon reports on his Patreon channel that Leeds and James are struggling to reach an agreement in talks.

Nixon claims that Leeds are only handing James a two-year contract, which would take the winger up until 2027. But James is said to want more than that, believing he has earned it after the last two years.

The simple fix that would surely suit Leeds and James

Surely, the obvious move is to simply offer James a two-year deal with the option of a third. It does seem harsh from The 49ers to only hand him a contract until 2027 – just adding a year onto his current deal.

Especially, if Leeds are reducing his pay and it’s not as if James is old, either. Still only 27, James surely deserves a contract until the summer of 2028 at the earliest and then, possibly a clause for another year.

Leeds aren’t going to be able to do much better than James at the moment in terms of signing a new winger and if the club go down, who else better than to have James? A bit of compromise is required.