Fulham have confirmed the signing of Leeds United winger Dan James shortly after the close of the transfer window. Clubs can still finish signing players after the end of the window by using a “deal sheet”, but they need a full agreement prior to the window closing to submit them.
Fulham Confirm Dan James Signing from Leeds United
Welcome, @Daniel_James_97!#DANGERMAN ⚠️ | #FFC
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) September 1, 2022
Why Did Dan James Leave Leeds United?
Put simply, Dan James doesn’t suit the system at the Yorkshire club in Jesse Marsch’s system. The Welshman thrives when running into space and attacking the wide areas, where Jesse Marsch’s football is predicated on attacking the penalty spot and shooting from central areas. This eliminates one of the strongest parts of the winger’s game.
Furthermore, James is surplus to requirements at the club. With a late move (according to Fabrizio Romano) bringing Wilfried Gnonto to the Elland Road, the club has too many options in attack. Rotating the Welshman out so he could achieve the minutes he desired became a necessity.
📝 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐋 𝐃𝐎𝐍𝐄: Fulham have signed Daniel James on a season-long loan from Leeds United.
(Source: @FulhamFC) pic.twitter.com/4nNUxMhWZH
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) September 1, 2022
What are the Terms of The Deal?
Dan James is at Fulham on loan until the end of the season. This means that the winger can light up Craven Cottage, providing plenty of opportunities for new teammate Aleksandr Mitrovic. The two could work as a deadly duo by the Thames, offering another depth to the club’s attacking plans.
No buyout clause has been discussed, whether mandatory or optional. This means that, going into next year, Leeds United have the option of retaining the Welshman for yet another season at Elland Road.
Did Fulham Complete Other Deals?
The other main deadline day deal for Fulham was to bring in Carlos Vinicius from Benfica. The forward completed the move from the Portuguese club towards the end of the day, just one of the reasons Fulham fans will have been biting their fingernails and hoping for deals to cross the line.
