Leeds United Could Cash In On This Duo In January Window: Should They Sell Both? | OneFootball

Leeds United have reached the September international break sitting fifth in the Premier League, yet January planning has already begun at Elland Road. According to The Leeds Press, Lukas Nmecha and Dan James could both attract attention during the winter window.

Transfermarkt reportedly values the pair at £17.2 million combined. Nmecha joined Leeds United as a free agent last year and supplied useful depth behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The German finished the previous campaign as Leeds’ third-highest scorer, but his contract now approaches its final months.

The Leeds Press report suggests the club have shown little urgency about extending Nmecha’s deal. That situation could encourage Leeds to consider a January sale rather than risk losing the forward without a fee.

James faces a different situation. The Welsh winger produced 21 goal involvements during Leeds’ Championship campaign, but injuries restricted him badly after promotion. Last season, the attacker failed to score or assist in the Premier League.

Fresh information indicates James won’t push for a transfer, while Leeds would prefer to keep their squad together. Still, limited minutes under Daniel Farke have created uncertainty around his longer-term position.

Should Leeds United sell Lukas Nmecha and keep Dan James?

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – AUGUST 25: Daniel James of Leeds United celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Lukas Nmecha during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Nottingham Forest and Leeds United at City Ground on August 25, 2026 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

Yes, the two cases should be treated very differently. Leeds should resist any January move for James because his pace, defensive work and top-flight experience give Farke another useful option from the bench. With the club sitting fifth, reducing the manager’s wide choices midway through the season could create an avoidable problem.

James hasn’t produced enough attacking numbers recently, but his value doesn’t depend entirely on goals and assists. His ability to attack tired full-backs late in matches can change the shape of a game. He can press, track runners and stretch a defence when Leeds need fresh legs.

Nmecha presents a more straightforward decision. The striker is approaching the end of his contract, while Calvert-Lewin remains the established first-choice option. If Leeds don’t plan to renew the German’s deal, January could provide the last realistic chance to collect a meaningful fee.

An £8.6 million sale would represent pure transfer income after Nmecha arrived as a free agent. Leeds could then redirect that money towards a younger attacking option. Tom Cannon offers a physical domestic option, while Troy Parrott could provide link play and aerial threat from LaLiga. Jay Stansfield would bring energy and pressing intensity from Birmingham City.

Leeds’ reported financial position gives the boardroom room to consider such a move. The summer departures reduced the wage burden, while previous sales generated accounting gains. A reported £22-25 million PSR cushion would further support January recruitment, although the club’s exact internal position isn’t public.

For Farke, keeping James preserves useful attacking depth. Selling Nmecha could create both financial room and a squad place, with Leeds United then able to seek another forward.