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Nathan Dyer – The former player turned agent of new Leeds United signing Daniel James

Nathan Dyer – The former player turned agent of new Leeds United signing Daniel James

It was not the first time that Daniel James arrived at Elland Road with the intention of sealing a transfer to Leeds United on the transfer deadline day.

The Welsh forward was infamously minutes away from signing for the East Yorkshire outfit back in 2019, but paperwork trouble meant that the deal was off – and he was officially unveiled in Man Utd colours next summer.

But fortunately for both James and Leeds United, nothing remotely of that sort happened on Tuesday – as James completed a £30m switch from Man Utd. And along with the final outcome, there was one more difference that fans noticed in between the two situations.

While it was Jonathan Barnett who was alongside James in his failed bid to join Leeds in the winter transfer window of 2019, a familiar footballing face accompanied James this time around. James’ new agent is none other than former Swansea City and Leicester City winger Nathan Dyer, a former champion of England and a League Cup winner.

Dyer made a name for himself in his time with the Swans, as he spent eleven years at the Liberty Stadium and helped them get to the top flight – while also being a part of the Foxes’ Premier League winning crop on loan.

Dyer made more than 300 appearances for the Welsh outfit before deciding to call it a day. Dyer, still only 33, announced his retirement from the sport last year – having last played a game for Swansea before the first lockdown was imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

But since hanging up his boots a year ago, Dyer has traded his football kit for a suit, a shirt, and a tie – and now works as an agent for ICM Stellar Sports, as he was seen representing his former teammate James at Elland Road yesterday.

Football fans online were both pleased and surprised to see the retired winger represent a fresh winger, as the 23-year-old James will hope to replicate his agent’s longevity and honours list.