Leeds United is delighted to confirm the signing of Daniel James from Manchester United.

The winger was close to joining Leeds during the 2018/19 Championship season and has continued to impress through his hard-working nature and lightning pace.

The Whites have now secured the Wales international on a five-year contract, which will run until the summer of 2026, for an undisclosed fee.

Having previously represented Wales at various youth levels, James made his senior international debut in November 2018. He has made 24 appearances to date, recently starring for the team during the 2020 UEFA European Football Championship.

The 23-year-old made his professional debut for Swansea City back in February 2018, before signing for local rivals Manchester United in the summer of 2019. He quickly excited fans with three goals during his first four appearances at the club, scoring on his Premier League debut and picking up the club’s Player of the Month award during his very first month with the team. He went on to make 74 appearances in all competitions, scoring a total of nine goals.

James becomes Leeds’ eighth signing of the summer transfer window and will join Marcelo and the team following the international break, ahead of our home clash against Liverpool where he will be met by a sold-out crowd at Elland Road. He has chosen to wear the number 20 shirt during his time with the club.

Victor Orta, Director of Football at Leeds United, has been a huge fan of the player over recent years and is looking forward to the impact he will have on the team for the 2021/22 campaign, he said: “‘I have to say a huge thank you to my team firstly – the football department have been monitoring Daniel for a number of years and every member of my team has worked hard to get this deal over the line. It is no secret that Daniel is a player we have been keen to acquire for a number of years and today we achieved our goal.

“As a player we feel Daniel is an excellent fit for a Marcelo Bielsa team, he is quick, direct and works hard – we look forward to him joining up with the squad, finally!”