The Foxes aim to surpass Crystal Palace and Atalanta in order to capture Jordan, one of the Championship’s most sought-after prospects. James
Jordan James, a midfielder for Birmingham City, is a target for Leicester City.
The Foxes are reportedly interested in signing the teenage midfield player regardless of the division they play in next season, according to Alan Nixon via his Patreon.
Leicester is in the midst of a fight for promotion in the Championship, but Leeds United and Ipswich Town are closing in on them, so they are no longer leading the league by a wide margin.
Nixon goes on to say that Crystal Palace and Italian Serie A side Atalanta are also still in the mix for James following their January transfer window interest, but it is claimed that Leicester could have a ‘real chance of success’ in signing the Wales international – especially if they do achieve promotion.
Who is Jordan James?
James, a central midfielder who is 19 years old, has spent his whole professional career at Birmingham.
James, who is still only a youngster, has already made almost 100 appearances for the Blues and is a full Wales international, having earned eight caps thus far.
He has been called up once more for the forthcoming international matches, in which Cymru hopes to qualify for the European Championships this summer by way of the play-offs.
James has participated in 36 of Birmingham’s 38 league games this season, scoring eight goals, placing him as the team’s second-highest goal scorer thus far.
| Jordan James’ 23/24 stats (league only, as of 17/03/24, as per FotMob) | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 36 |
| Minutes | 1985 |
| Goal contributions | 8 |
| Pass accuracy | 76.4% |
| Long ball accuracy | 48.4% |
| Chances created per 90 | 0.86 |
| Dribble success rate | 52.8% |
| Touches per 90 | 45.3 |
| Tackles won % | 59.6% |
| Duels won % | 52.9% |
| Aerial duels won % | 51.5% |
There was a lot of conjecture around James’ potential departure from St. Andrew’s during the January transfer window. Atalanta, a Serie A team, had many bids rejected.
Both teams’ bids were rejected, including Palace’s offer to return on loan to the Midlands, since they were unable to reach Birmingham’s value.
Birmingham might not need to cash in on James this summer due to profit and sustainability regulations, but they might be better positioned to turn off offers.
However, given James’ age and current form, Birmingham should be able to fetch a far larger price for the midfield player than what Atalanta was offering in January (the midfielder was turned down for £4.5 million).
James’s contract expires at the end of the following season, but the club has the option to extend it by one year, meaning they will essentially be in control of negotiations until 2026.
Would Jordan James be a good addition for Leicester City?
It is hard to know how well James would fit in, due to the fact we do not know what league Leicester will be in for definite.
But it is more than likely that the Foxes will be in the Premier League – if so, it is a move that James would deserve.
The Foxes are looking fairly light in central midfield ahead of next season, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Harry Winks and Hamza Choudhury their only options.
Wilfred Ndidi and Dennis Praet’s contracts are set to expire at the end of the season and are likely to move on due to their high wages, although that is not a given yet.
It remains to be seen how much Leicester will be able to spend, with the EFL stating that they could break FFP rules by the end of the season – which could see them start next season with a points deduction.
In any case, James would be a fantastic addition to the Foxes and would earn the promotion to the Premier League.
