**Leeds United Reach Agreement to Sign James Justin, Fees Agreed and Formal Steps to Follow**
Leeds United are on the verge of securing a significant coup in the transfer market, with reports confirming the club have reached an agreement to sign Leicester City’s versatile full-back James Justin. The deal, valued at approximately £6 million, is a steal for the 27-year-old England international, whose contract with the Foxes is in its final year. Formal steps, including medicals and contract negotiations, are now expected to finalize the transfer before Leeds’ Premier League opener against Everton on Monday.
The Whites, under manager Daniel Farke, have been actively seeking reinforcements at full-back, particularly with Isaac Schmidt set to join Werder Bremen on loan and Jayden Bogle nursing an injury. Justin, lauded for his adaptability to play both right-back and left-back, emerged as a prime target. His Premier League experience, with over 150 appearances for Leicester and an FA Cup winner’s medal from 2021, makes him an ideal fit for Farke’s squad, which is aiming to avoid a relegation scrap this season.
Negotiations have progressed swiftly, with Leeds outpacing interest from Everton, who also eyed the £30,000-a-week defender. Sources indicate that Justin’s aerial prowess—ranking in the 97th percentile for aerial duels won—and defensive solidity, coupled with his attacking contributions (four goal involvements in the 2024-25 Premier League season), align perfectly with Farke’s tactical demands. His versatility will provide crucial cover for Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson, while Sam Byram’s recent contract extension adds further depth.
Leeds’ proactive transfer window, backed by the 49ers Enterprises, has already seen the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin join on a free transfer, alongside signings like Lucas Perri and Jaka Bijol. Justin’s arrival would mark their eighth summer addition, signaling their ambition to solidify their Premier League status. Despite interest in other full-backs, such as Lugano’s Mattia Zanotti, Leeds prioritized Justin for his proven top-flight pedigree.
As the transfer window nears its close, Leeds fans are buzzing with excitement over Justin’s imminent arrival. His leadership qualities, demonstrated by captaining Leicester recently, and his desire to return to the Premier League make this move a perfect match. With formalities pending, Elland Road is poised to welcome a dynamic defender ready to make an immediate impact.
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