…By Jack Sylva for TDPel Media.
The future of Wales winger Daniel James is uncertain, and this summer could be pivotal for his career.
His parent club, Leeds United, is currently in jeopardy as they are in 17th place, one position above the relegation zone, and ahead of 18th-placed Nottingham Forest only on goal difference.
Leeds is yet to know who their manager will be or which division they will play in next season, making any decision over James’ future uncertain.
Meanwhile, James has been on loan to Fulham this season, which hasn’t gone entirely to plan, with him mostly getting substitute appearances.
However, his form has opened the door to a permanent move to west London if a deal is agreed.
If Leeds is relegated, reports indicate that they would be willing to part ways with James, who still has three years left on his contract.
Experts at CIES Football Observatory estimate his value to be around €15 million (£13 million), using a complex matrix that takes into account a variety of variables, such as performance, age, career progression, international status, inflation, and club level and wealth.
In May 2021, they estimated his value to be somewhere in the range of €50-70 million (£43-60 million), which is quite a radical change in valuation.
James had moved to Leeds from Manchester United in August of the same year in a deal worth £25 million.
Their manager, Sam Allardyce, has been given a short-term contract to save the club from the clutches of the Championship.
The uncertainty surrounding Leeds’ future and the possibility of James staying at Fulham means that his future is currently up in the air.
James is a talented winger with plenty of potential, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up next season.
A permanent move to Fulham could be the best option for his career if he can continue to perform at a high level.
Leeds will need to make some tough decisions about their squad, including James, if they are to remain competitive in the Championship next season.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for James, but this summer is likely to be a critical moment in his career.