Leeds United are looking to finish the transfer window in strong fashion, but not everyone is convinced about the latest name who is set for a move to Elland Road.
Leeds United agree deal to sign James Justin from Leicester City
With their Premier League comeback now underway, Mike McGrath has confirmed that Leeds are set to sign James Justin for £10 million as he enters the final year of his contract at Leicester City.
He stated on X: “Leicester have agreed a deal worth £10m with Leeds for James Justin. The England-capped full-back, 27, having medical at LUFC.”
Earning an instant return after the Foxes’ relegation last season, Justin registered four goals and two assists in 36 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25, though couldn’t help his side reverse the tide under Ruud van Nistelrooy.
More recently, he has featured in two of Leicester’s three opening fixtures, starring in their win against Sheffield Wednesday and 2-1 loss to Preston North End. Still, not everyone is convinced by his arrival at Elland Road.
News UK journalist Charlie Carmichael has claimed the Foxes have done an “unbelievable” job to take in £10 million given his contract situation and recent form at the King Power Stadium, believing he was “miles off” top flight level.
Putting that to the test, there are plenty of conflicting opinions on Leeds’ latest capture as they look to stay in the top-flight for the foreseeable future.
Should Leeds United be bringing Justin to Elland Road?
After a 5-0 defeat to Arsenal that exposed Leeds’ defensive frailties, news that Justin is on his way hasn’t pleased the Yorkshire giants’ support in their entirety, it is fair to say. First of all, his £10 million price-tag is steep, in context, considering he would’ve been available for free next summer.
Albeit, the Whites have spent £91.3 million and he would come in as their joint-sixth most expensive addition of the window alongside Gabriel Gudmunsson. Still, shelling out a reasonable fee for someone out of form is hardly inspiring, especially in a world where adhering to PSR regulations is becoming pivotal to clubs that can establish themselves in the Premier League.
Last term, Fotmob calculate that Justin was dribbled past 23 times and lost the ball 15 times in the top-flight, picking up six yellow cards in the process, with his defensive frailties highlighted by a video circulating on social media. Of course, plying his trade for a side who were nailed-on relegation candidates from the start didn’t help, but he also delivered a dribble success rate of 40.9%, which is hardly ideal when it comes to structuring build-up play efficiently.
Despite possessing significant talent, Justin lost almost 45% of his aerial duels in the same timeframe, emphasising that he still has much to improve on at the elite level if he wants to become a success at Elland Road.
Availability is the greatest ability, according to some, though the fact he has missed 100 matches since 2020/21 due to Achilles issues and a cruciate ligament tear leaves alot to be desired ahead of his involvement at Leeds.
Ultimately, Farke will know Justin has strong traits as a full-back due to his speed and ability to intercept oncoming attacks, though his deficiencies could outweigh his strenghs in the Premier League if recent indications are anything to go by.