Opinion

Leeds United are about to strike the best bit of business they could possibly do all summer

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All the focus among Leeds United supporters is on which players the club will be signing, and how Daniel Farke’s squad will look come August 18 when The Whites host Everton.

Leeds have brought in three new signings this summer. One player that is expected to start in Daniel Farke’s side is £15m centre-back Jaka Bijol. Then, the two other additions are expected to give cover.

Lukas Nmecha has joined on a free from Wolfsburg, while Sebastiaan Bornauw has also arrived from the German side to the tune of £5m. Bornauw’s deal will see Max Wober complete a move to Werder Bremen.

The Whites are expected to make more signings. A new goalkeeper, a left-back, a midfielder, a no.10, a replacement for Manor Solomon, and a starting striker. But the best deal Leeds could do is already done.

Daniel Farke and Paraag Marathe of Leeds United
Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images

Leeds United are about to announce a new contract for star player

Leeds will add some big-money, big-name signings, and of course, recruitment plays a key role in Leeds looking to buck the trend of promoted sides being relegated. Alan Shearer is confident Leeds will do that.

Getting the signings right is important, but keeping the club’s best players is just as important. Leicester suffered relegation, with many pointing towards the exits of Enzo Maresca and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

Dan James looks to find an equaliser for Leeds in defeat at Portsmouth.
Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images

Dan James was Leeds’ best player last season, one of three Championship players picked for the League’s Player of the Season award alongside Burnley and England’s James Trafford, and no.10 Gustavo Hamer.

Reports say Leeds United have now agreed a long-term contract for Dan James. The Welshman is out of contract next summer and it was of utmost importance that the Whites struck a deal to keep the winger.

Why keeping Dan James is more important than any signing

There are several reasons why keeping James is more important than anything else Leeds could do this summer. The first simply being Leeds retaining control over his future and position over his price tag.

Failure to do so would have seen Leeds had to consider selling their best player on the cheap. Given he cost £25m, selling James with a year left on his deal would have seen Leeds make a loss on the winger.

That, of course, affects PSR. Everton had shown interest and facing James on the opening day would have been demoralising for supporters. Losing Manor Solomon means it is important Leeds keep their wingers.

Thankfully, for those of a Leeds persuasion, James has signed a new long-term deal at Elland Road. A better bit of business from than any potential new signing Adam Underwood and The 49ers could make.