In a recent report, Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider said that the Whites want to prevent a situation in which James reaches his final 18 months of contract without a new deal being reached.
In fact, according to the source, they are “keen” to begin talks for a new contract, extending the five-year agreement James signed in the summer of 2021 when he left Manchester United in a rumored £25 million transfer.
The 53-cap Wales international had trouble staying consistent during his first and only full Premier League season at Elland Road. As Leeds was relegated, he spent the entirety of the 2022–2023 season on loan with Fulham. However, he made a significant comeback in the Championship the previous time around.
James, who in 2019 had his deal to Swansea City in the second division collapse at the last minute, turned around his career at Leeds by scoring 13 goals in the Championship and providing seven more assists.
Following the departure of star forward Crysencio Summerville to West Ham United, Leeds signed Manor Solomon and Largie Ramazani in the summer. The 26-year-old winger is expected to remain an important part of Daniel Farke’s plans, despite missing the last month due to injury, having scored in his side’s 2-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday in August.
James restored his reputation with the team last season with a number of standout performances that gave the supporters a great deal of faith in him again. Smith James restored his career with the team with a number of outstanding performances in the previous campaign, earning the supporters’ esteem wholeheartedly.
“Because it happened in such a short amount of time, it severely hampered his ability to be evaluated on the basis of his performances. He had to put in a lot of effort to overcome the negative perception that the fans had of him.
When he returned on loan from Fulham last season, he joined our relegation squad. Under Daniel Farke, he was excellent and appeared to be very vital; the same can be said this season, albeit there is less evidence because of his injuries.
“I do believe he will be well-deserving of a new deal for that. We ought to endeavor to expeditiously underscore his significance to the team and the exceptional role he has played for us, particularly in the event of a victory.
“With his quick speed and consistently high-quality output, he’s a huge asset to us and will likely remain so even if we move up and try to establish ourselves as a bottom-half to mid-table Premier League team— hopefully that happens soon enough.
“I believe that the most noteworthy change in him since his loan at Fulham has been his output, and I do believe he should be rewarded with a new contract.”
Leeds would suffer a huge loss if they lost a player of James’ caliber and reputation on a free transfer, especially considering the price they paid for him three years prior.
James has redefined his worth to the team in the Championship, as many had anticipated. If he stays healthy and plays consistently for Farke this season, he will undoubtedly rank among the best wingers in this league.
Of course, the goal is promotion, and Kris has good reason to point out that James is still capable of orchestrating a significant Premier League effect.
His incredible speed and extreme directness put opposition on the defensive and enable Leeds to break fast in transition.