Dan James is frequently discussed among Leeds United fans. He can be the best winger in the Championship at times, but he also has a lack of end product. Daniel Farke may see it as an opportunity to provide James with additional competition.
Dan James has been a key player for Leeds United this season, scoring five goals and providing three assists in 19 Championship appearances.
There have been games and periods when James has been the Whites’ best player. However, Leeds United’s recent draw with Blackburn Rovers typified up James’ unhappiness, which is that he frequently lacks end product.
Daniel Farke has solid choices on the wings, but he appears to prefer James and Manor Solomon at the moment, excluding Wilfried Gnonto and Largie Ramazani. With games coming thick and fast in the second half of the season, Farke will need them all to be prepared to play.
Speaking after the Blackburn game, Farke stated that Leeds will be reactive in the January transfer window, and James’ performance in the coming games could inspire a move for a new wide player.
Aston Villa star Jaden Philogene would be ideal for Leeds United.
According to The Athletic, Aston Villa are planning to loan away Jaden Philogene during the January transfer window, as the versatile attacker has struggled for game time in the Premier League since his return to Villa Park in July.
Philogene, 22, is a scorching winger who can play on both flanks, though he is naturally right-footed, and he is also comfortable playing as a no.10, which might provide Farke with some much-needed protection for Brenden Aaronson in the second half of the season.
Fans might recall Philogene from his time in the Championship last season. The England U21s player scored 12 league goals for Hull City, the most notable being a rabona goal.
With plenty of pace and a forward-thinking temperament, Philogene is a carbon copy of James, and bringing him to Elland Road for the second half of the season would not only give cover but also drive everyone in his positions to raise their game.
Jaden Philogene’s career thus far
Philogene’s career has been a bit of a stop-and-go in recent years, having started with Villa before leaving and returning.
Philogene progressed through the Villa Park youth systems, spending time on loan with Stoke City and Cardiff City between 2022 and 2023 before joining Hull City on a permanent basis ahead of the 2023/24 season.
He shined for the Tigers, prompting Villa to exercise a buy-back clause. Since then, Philogene has failed to score in 11 Premier League appearances for Villa, often coming on as a late substitute.
