Manchester United’s young winger Daniel James’ agent has revealed why his client’s proposed move to Championship club Leeds United collapsed in the January transfer window in 2019.
The Wales international completed his dream move to the Manchester-based club in the summer of 2019 from Swansea for a reported transfer fee of £15.30 million.
However, things could’ve been completely different as James was just a few steps away from joining Leeds six months earlier – but the deal collapsed on the deadline day.
James’ agent Jonathan Barnett, while talking to Sport Witness, revealed that the proposed move to Elland Road collapsed ‘for many reasons’.
“People have to realise each person is different,” he said.
“He [James] is clever, he knows how it is. Some deals work out, some deals don’t. At that time, it just didn’t work out for many reasons. You can’t blame anybody.”
Barnett further went on to praise young James, who according to him, understands how the transfer business in football works.
“He [James] knows that if one door closes, another door opens,” added Barnett.
“That’s why he has people like ourselves and we are good at that. We make sure everything is good for him and we’re good at that. It’s not just about transferring from one club to another. It’s making sure his life is okay.”
James has been a star performer for the Red Devils in the ongoing campaign where he has scored four times and provided seven assists in 37 matches in all competitions.
Leeds fans will certainly view James as one that got away, with the fyling Welsh winger showing that he has the required quality to play Premier League football.
Leeds have had mixed luck with wingers in recent seasons, with the likes of Mo Barrow, Hadi Sacko and Alfonso Pedraza not working out at Elland Road.
However, the Whites have had more luck with the likes of Helder Costa and Jack Harrison, who are part of the current side that are looking to get promoted to the Premier League.
