Leeds United Eyeing Move For This Leicester Fullback: Should They Step Up The Chase Amid Fresh Injury Reports? | OneFootball

If a recent report from Leeds Live is believed to be true, Leeds United are working on a deal to secure the services of James Justin. The Leicester City right-back suffered an injury on Saturday in their defeat against Preston North End, but Marti Cifuentes hopes to have him back soon amid the transfer rumours.

Told the Foxes chief (as quoted by Leicestershire Live) while explaining the situation of the 27-year-old, who, despite several minutes of treatment, was forced to leave the pitch with 15 minutes remaining.

Justin progressed through the academy ranks of Luton Town before breaking into their senior squad in League Two. He contributed to their promotion to League One and was eventually snapped up by Leicester for £8m following a blistering 2018-19 season in the third tier of the English football pyramid.

Having featured as the understudy to Ricardo Pereira in the early years, Justin grabbed a regular role with time, particularly over the past two campaigns. Successive ACL injuries disrupted his development since February 2021, as it took him more than two years to reclaim a regular role in the defensive third.

LEEDS, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 23: James Justin of Leicester City and Wilfried Gnonto of Leeds United battle for possession during the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United and Leicester City at Elland Road on February 23, 2024 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Justin also represented the Three Lions in June 2022 against Hungary, but was taken off at half-time due to another injury concern. Persistent fitness problems cast doubts over his availability week in and week out, and Daniel Farke, the Leeds United boss, must now decide whether to tie him down to challenge and cover Jayden Bogle.

Why Leeds United Must Rope In The Right Fullback

The former Sheffield United fullback enjoyed a blistering 2024-25 season with 6 goals and  4 assists in 44 Championship outings. However, his lack of top-flight experience and a below-par pre-season from Isaac Schmidt insinuate why Farke should bring in a new name to attune to the grind and demands of Premier League football.

With Schmidt likely to part ways in the coming days, Justin would be a significant upgrade, regardless of his injury misfortunes. He holds all the traits of a modern-day fullback, who loves to make marauding runs and contribute to the build-ups with link-up play, cut-insides, and pinpoint crosses. His versatility could also be utilised in various slots, and the Englishman has proved his fitness in the recent past. He would be a free agent next summer, and the Whites should have a go, given the Foxes’ £6m valuation for the seasoned defender.