‘I’m not afraid to say that’ - James Justin on Leicester City exit and new lease of life at Leeds United
James Justin has discussed his Leicester City exit and fresh start at Leeds United
Leeds United defender James Justin has conceded he “wasn’t great” in his final season at Leicester City.
The 28-year-old played in Europe and represented England during his six years at Leicester, but his Foxes spell ended on a sour note.
He suffered relegation from the Premier League with the club in 2025 and by his own admission, struggled for form during that ill-fated campaign.
When he was snapped up by Leeds for a reported £8m plus £2m in add-ons in August 2025, many Leicester fans were quick to point out his below-par performances.
James Justin’s Leicester City admission
He told Leeds Live: “I would say I obviously didn't leave Leicester on the best of terms in terms of getting relegated twice in three seasons, and we weren't great that year at all, and I wasn't great that year, I'm not afraid to say that.
“I didn't play to the best of my ability, for whatever reason, I don't know. But it's been a good start here so far.
“I'm grateful that the club had that faith in me and hopefully I've repaid that so far.”
Potential return to England ranks
To say Justin has enjoyed a new lease of life at Elland Road would be an understatement. A full-back by trade, he has slotted seamlessly into a central back three with Tarik Muharemović and Nico Elvedi and kept £15m man Jaka Bijol out of the side.
Praise has been lavished upon the Luton Town academy product, but he is not thinking about a recall to the England squad.
He said: “Do I think about an England call-up? Not really. I understand football and the way it goes in terms of England and I feel obviously the man sitting over there (Jayden Bogle), and we've spoken about him before, is due a call-up before I am to be honest.
“He's got a lot of potential. I'd back him as a player to go into that group and perform to the abilities that I know that he's got.
“When that day comes, and I'm sure it will hopefully come soon if we obviously keep it up as a team throughout the season, I'll be cheering his name.
“I feel like he's a top-class player, and especially with the dominant style that England play in the majority of their games, it'd be perfect and definitely be a luxury player in that England team.”