Cristiano Ronaldo’s impending arrival at Old Trafford is expected to restrict opportunities for several fringe players. Dan James, who would’ve become one of those on the fringes, has instead decided to leave the club and sign for rivals – Leeds United.
The Athletic rerports tat the two rivals are close to agreeing a fee worth 25 million pounds plus add-ons. The situation evolved quickly once Leeds’ interest in the Welshman became apparent and is expected to go through before the deadline on Tuesday, August 31.
The report further states that James travelled to Leeds on Monday night, where barring any late hitches, he would undergo his medical and formalize the contractual terms.
Manchester United are expected to earn a considerable profit from James’ sale. The Red Devils signed the winger from Swansea City in summer 2019 for an initial fee of 15 million pounds.
In contrast, the club could earn nearly double that amount from the base selling fee and add-ons. James would leave Old Trafford one short of 75 appearances for the club, with nine goals to his name.
James came very close to signing for Leeds United in January 2019 – six months before he joined Manchester United. After the two clubs – Leeds and Swansea – had agreed a fee James underwent his medical and was pictured posing with a Leeds shirt for his official unveiling. However, the deal fell through at the eleventh hour. and he returned to his parent club.
There were reports on Monday night about a late Everton coup to steal James from under Leeds’ nose, but those were immediately disproved by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. Instead, all the cards are in place for the winger to become Bielsa’s second senior signing of the summer, following the capture of Junior Firpo.
