It’s fair to say Dan James is approaching an uncertain summer at Leeds United. The Wales international winger spent the season on loan at Fulham after being deemed surplus to requirements at Elland Road as last summer’s transfer window approached its conclusion.
James struggled for consistency and form during his spell in west London, and while he did 20 league appearances under Marco Silva, most of those came off the bench. There has been nothing to suggest Fulham will be moving to make that switch permanent this summer and, as it stands, he is due to return to Thorp Arch during pre-season to begin preparing for the start of the new Championship season.
Given his situation there is an element of doubt surrounding his future at Elland Road and his next step remains to be seen. Having spent five straight seasons plying his trade in the Premier League, James should and ought to be seen as an attractive option for the Whites to utilise in the second tier.
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His Wales manager Rob Page believes he belongs in the Premier League, though, insisting he has what it takes to earn a move back to the highest level once more.
"I do think DJ is a Premier League player," Page said, as per BBC. "If I'm a Premier League manager and I find out he's available, personally I'd take him.
"I'm bound to say that because I'm his Welsh manager, but for me he always poses a threat. He still has things to work on, but with the pace he's got it is a brave team that plays a high line against him.
“I think he could easily play in the Premier League again."
James will be looking to claim his 44th cap for Wales on Friday when they continue their Euro 2024 qualification campaign against Armenia at the Cardiff City Stadium. He’ll then travel to Turkey with the squad to play his final game of an extremely long season before his focus will turn to the start of pre-season at Thorp Arch.
The 25-year-old hasn’t always produced his best in the colours of Wales, but Page believes he has found a rhythm in international football and he can give a reminder of his abilities going into the summer.
"It was a frustrating few months for him when I played him at centre-forward with Gareth [Bale]," the Wales boss added.
"Now we've changed and he is back out in his natural position. He likes playing wide left and the way we play now, that suits us because he gives us the width on the left.
"He's that option in behind and when you've got a tool like that in your armoury, it really is effective. At the top level in the Premier League, and at international level, he poses a threat."
