This statement comes after TEAMtalk noted Victor Orta’s desire to reunite with the wide man at the start of the window.
Ditch James
Whilst on the surface this could come across as an uninspiring move, if it meant finally ridding Elland Road of Daniel James then it would be worth its weight in gold.
In one of Marcelo Bielsa’s biggest financial blunders during his reign, he unloaded £25m to sign the Welsh winger from Manchester United after an indifferent start to life at Old Trafford.
In his last season at the club, he had only mustered three league goals and unsurprisingly would hardly offer a stellar return in his debut campaign in Yorkshire to align with his new value. Scoring four and assisting five, his return was not wholly dreadful, but his 6.64 average rating was indicative of a poor performer despite this.
Such was the lack of faith in the 25-year-old, he was sent out on loan to Fulham this season despite only having Jack Harrison, Crysencio Summerville and Luis Sinisterra as viable wide options.
Therefore, to pad out this crop and finally send James packing, adding another dynamic could be imperative in securing survival despite their poor run.
Jesse Marsch’s side are yet to win a game since domestic football restarted after the World Cup and have slipped back to within two points of the relegation zone.
The acquisition of someone with pure pace and power like Traore’s is sure to frighten any defender, which would provide added room for the likes of Rodrigo to further shine.
Jetro Willems even detailed this fear, as he claimed: “I have played against some very good players in my career, but no one as fast as Adama Traore. He’s unbelievable, a beast. Not only is he incredibly fast, he is so, so strong as well.”
This claim was supplemented by BBC pundit Garth Crooks, who was enamoured with the “lightning-fast” Spaniard.
Such is his proficiency in a one-on-one setting, he ranks in the top 1% for dribbles completed. He has also paired this with 0.7 key passes per 90, which is particularly commendable given he is only averaging 47 minutes a game.
A completely different option for Marsch to boast, the £55k-per-week speedster’s arrival could finally spell the end of James’ disappointing tenure at the club.
