Leeds United’s Swiss striker #19 Noah Okafor (2R) applauds the fans following the English Premier League football match between Leeds United and Brentford at Elland Road in Leeds, northern England on March 21, 2026. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
Leeds United could be set to bid farewell to multiple members of Daniel Farke’s squad over the summer.
Joel Piroe and Willy Gnonto are amongst the players United could feasibly sell this summer. It could massively help raise funds that the 49ers could reinvest back into the team.
Whilst players such as Pascal Struijk and Karl Darlow’s contract situations make their futures at Elland Road uncertain as well.
Dan James likely to remain at Leeds United next season, per Beren Cross
Although, there is one fringe player who looks set to remain at Leeds going into next season. But, that would surely be a mistake from the 49ers if they couldn’t manage to move him on.
According to a recent report from , Dan James is likely to stay at United next season. Cross reports there is not expected to be a queue of clubs lining up to attempt to get the winger out of Elland Road.
This is understandable after James’ injury-ridden campaign. The 28-year-old was limited to just six Premier League starts and 566 Premier League minutes in total across the entire season, recording zero goals and zero assists during this time.
But with Noah Okafor being an obvious candidate to start on the left wing when fit, as well as the Whites reportedly wanting to sign another right winger this summer, then James could find himself on the bench for the entirety of next season anyway, regardless of whether he is fit or not.
It does seem as though Leeds are willing to offer the Welshman another chance to prove he can do it in the Premier League. And hopefully for the Whites, James can have an uninterrupted pre-season and carry this momentum into the new campaign.
Leeds United should sell Dan James if an offer is made this summer
Cross’ report claims there is not likely to be much of a market to sign James this summer. However, I cannot help but think the 49ers should actively offer James out and look to find any potential suitors.
James did little of note in any of the six league games he started last season. To me, it is evident he is not favoured by Farke in the three-at-the-back formation we resorted to last season.
Selling James, whilst ruthless, could help fund a dramatic upgrade who is capable of playing out on that right flank. Un turn, we’d relegate Brenden Aaronson to the bench.
Regardless of how much we all love James, he has constantly failed to deliver in the Premier League. Of course, he has been a revelation for us in the Championship.
Despite me firmly believing we should sell him, if he is kept around the squad for next season, his only role should be as an impact substitute unless his form suggests otherwise.
Barring another injury crisis, I never want to see James lining up as a wing-back next season. He did at the backend of last season, and that is only a recipe for disaster long-term.
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