Daniel James completes £25m transfer move from Manchester United to Leeds

Daniel James completes £25m transfer move from Manchester United to Leeds

Leeds have announced the deadline day signing of Daniel James from Manchester United.

James, 23, underwent a medical earlier today before joining up with the rest of Wales' squad at their training camp in Finland.

Personal terms were quickly agreed with Leeds and Marcelo Bielsa's side subsequently struck a deal with Manchester United which will see the winger move to Elland Road for a fee of £25million.

The Welsh speedster has put pen to paper on a five-year contract in west Yorkshire.

Leeds have long held a strong interest in James and the Wales international had looked set to complete a switch from Swansea City back in January 2019, with a medical completed and personal terms agreed.

But a deal collapsed in the final few hours of the transfer window and the forward went on to move to Old Trafford the following summer.

'It's been a bit of a whirlwind for me, a bit of a crazy time. But I'm here now, I'm grateful for the club being interested in me, still believing in me from that time two-and-a-half years ago,' James told Sky Sports.

'I'm happy to be here and I can't wait to play in front of these fans.'

Daniel James completes £25m transfer move from Manchester United to Leeds

The Welshman added: 'There's always been interest since I nearly signed from Swansea.

'I think there wasn't much going on in the last day or two, it happened very quickly, I've got my head around it and this is where I want to be moving forward.'

James is confident he's made the best possible decision for his career by joining Leeds this summer.

'I think for me and my football career, it was completely the right decision,' he went on.

'Don't get me wrong, I had an unbelievable time, made great friends and the staff and fans were amazing to me.

'For me, it's my time to move career-wise and move forward so I'm looking forward to it.'

Daniel James completes £25m transfer move from Manchester United to Leeds

On James' arrival, Leeds director of football Victor Orta 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!'

James scored nine goals in all competitions across his two-season spell at United and the Red Devils were quick to pass on their best wishes after he was unveiled by Leeds.

'Everybody at Manchester United wants to thank Daniel for his excellent contribution during his two years as a Red,' a short statement on United's official website said.

'Be it as a starter, substitute or squad member, he always gave 100 per cent and he leaves with our very best wishes for the future. Good luck, Jamo.'

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