Leeds United’s interest in James Hill of AFC Bournemouth has emerged in recent days, with the versatile defender in the final year of his contract.
Born in Bristol, James Hill came through the ranks at Fleetwood Town and became their youngest ever first-team player aged 16, and the 23-year-old also spent time with Hearts and Blackburn Rovers on loan.
He can be utilised as a centre-back or right-back and Leeds United are said to be keen. Soon after Noah Okafor was announced, Sky Sports journalist Mark McAdam revealed Leeds are interested in signing Hill from Bournemouth.
So far this summer, Leeds have signed nine new players, and the Whites have spent well by acquiring players who are in the final year or two years of their deals. That has been a frequent strategy for the 49ers and could be again with Hill.
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AFC Bournemouth fans are all in agreement on James Hill’s future
There were once reports which claimed Bielsa wanted Hill for Leeds at one stage. He is one of the options considered before the summer transfer window closes on September 1st.
That’s where a potential move for Hill comes in. At 23 years old, and in the final year of his Bournemouth contract, the Cherries might be willing to part ways with Hill for a reasonable fee.
They risk losing him for nothing next summer if they don’t. Andoni Iraola has confirmed Hill’s Bournemouth future is uncertain. It could be a situation Leeds take advantage of.
As one Leeds fan points out, the reaction to the news from Bournemouth fans makes for positive reading. They took to Twitter/X to agree on Hill. One said: “We should be offering him a new deal. I think he’s decent already and can quite easy be a vital squad player this season PLUS HES VERSATILE!!”
Another stated: “🍒 I really hope we don’t let this go through… I’ve really liked him while he’s been here and he deserves his chance! Has heaps of potential just from watching him. #afcb”
A further response read: “At the moment, the simply cannot sell defenders without a ready replacement.”
A further Bournemouth fan said: “Nah we can’t let this happen, Hill is so important to us with his versatility and we haven’t even seen the start of his potential. Get him on a new 4 year deal asap #afcb”
Leeds fans may not be enamoured by the idea of Hill, given he is not an attacker who will get you off your seat, but they can be delighted by the response from Bournemouth fans.
James Hill’s career stats so far
Hill is more of a squad player for Bournemouth, capable of filling in as a centre-back or right-back. Now 23, he has not played a huge amount of football for his age.
| Team | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Yellow cards/red cards |
| Fleetwood Town | 53 | 1 | 1 | 8/0 |
| AFC Bournemouth | 25 | 0 | 1 | 2/0 |
| Hearts (loan) | 17 | 0 | 0 | 4/0 |
| Blackburn Rovers (loan) | 20 | 1 | 4 | 3/0 |
As seen above, he has only recently moved past the 100-appearance marker in the last year. A move to Leeds perhaps would be beneficial, given his place may not be as low in the pecking order.
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