Daniel James has once again opened up about his failed move to Leeds United in 2019, on the UTD Podcast series.
Leeds famously had James at Elland Road on deadline day, as they looked to sign the winger from Swansea City.
However, at the last minute, the Welsh side decided to pull out of the deal.
James has since gone on to move to Manchester United for £15 million (BBC Sport), which has made it more frustrating that Leeds missed out.
And James has now spoken more about his failed move in 2019, saying that the passionate Victor Orta was annoyed when the deal fell through.
“I was watching it [deadline day] on TV, everything was mostly done so it was all eyes on Leeds and if this deal was going to go through. I was just looking at it thinking it’s just surreal,” the Welshman revealed.
“I signed all the contract, did the interviews, picked my shirt number, did all the pictures and I thought it was done.”
“I then was told it wasn’t done, there was one more piece of paper [that they were waiting for] from Swansea to Leeds for them to agree the deal of how it was going to happen.
“It got to one minute to 11 and I was like ‘what’s going on?’. They came in and Victor [Orta], the chief executive of Leeds came in and was very upset at what had happened.”
Leeds still went on to earn promotion without James, but there must be some regret at missing out on the rapid wide-man.
James could have proved a useful option for Leeds had he signed, but Manchester United have benefited from the Whites’ failure to get a deal over the line.
James was actually in fine form for his country last night, as he headed in what proved to be the winner, as Wales beat the Czech Republic 1-0.
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