In a recent report, Leicester Mercury revealed that Leicester City are the joint favourites to land Manchester United playmaker Daniel James this summer after they were priced at 3/1 by the bookmakers. The Foxes are leading the chase along with Leeds United and Brighton and Hove Albion to secure the signature of the Welsh winger in this off-season (via Leicester Mercury).
James’ Difficult Season At Old Trafford
James had a tough season with the Red Devils recently as he struggled to find consistency with his performances for them over the past 12 months. The Beverley-born sensation registered five goals and two assists in 26 matches for Man United in the previous campaign across all fronts.
However, the 23-year-old deserves credit for being a good squad player at Old Trafford after he averaged 1.0 tackles, 1.1 shots, 0.7 key passes and 0.7 dribbles per game in the Premier League. He even interchanged possession with his teammates relatively well in the opposition half, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 81.3% in the English top tier (stats via whoscored).
James is still under contract at the Theatre of Dreams until the summer of 2024 but the arrival of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund could see him get even less game time if he chooses to remain at Manchester beyond this summer. Hence, the Welsh talent has every reason to seek a move elsewhere with Leicester a good choice for him to consider this summer.
Should Leicester City Launch A Move For James This Summer?
James is a quick and agile winger who can make some well-timed runs in behind the opponent’s backline. He can be a joy to watch when he is dribbling at full speed but needs to be more decisive in the attacking end of the field. The 24-time Wales international can also create some decent openings for his teammates up top but has to figure out a way to increase his productivity in front of the opposition goal.
James can still become a world-class player in his position as long as he can earn regular playing minutes in the coming seasons. Therefore, Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers would be wise to launch a move to bring him to the King Power Stadium this summer so that he can unlock the best out of the Welsh wing wizard over the next few years.
At 23, the future is quite bright for James which makes him a good long-term option for the Foxes to pursue before the start of the new season. The Man United playmaker will offer some healthy competition for Ayoze Perez and Marc Albrighton for a regular starting place in Rodgers’ first XI next season.
