Birmingham City academy graduate Jordan James is poised for a return to England this summer, with Premier League and Championship clubs vying for his signature. The Wales international, who joined Rennes in 2024 for around £6m, has impressed during a loan spell at Leicester City, scoring 11 goals and winning the EFL Young Player of the Season award despite the Foxes' relegation to League One.
Premier League Interest Heats Up
Crystal Palace are reportedly preparing a £10m bid for James, according to journalist Alan Nixon. Meanwhile, newly-promoted Championship side West Ham United are also among the suitors, potentially bolstered by an incoming £85m windfall from Tottenham Hotspur's pursuit of midfielder Mateus Fernandes. West Ham could use part of those funds to secure James.
Rennes' Asking Price
French outlet Ouest France reports that Rennes are demanding €15m (£13m) to part ways with the 21-year-old. Birmingham City, who sold James with a 10% sell-on clause on the profit, stand to gain a modest windfall. The original deal included bonuses that could have taken the fee above £8m, but the sell-on is expected to yield hundreds of thousands rather than millions.
James' Rapid Rise
James made 104 first-team appearances for Birmingham before his 20th birthday and has accumulated 162 games across his three professional clubs. His loan at Leicester showcased his development, earning individual plaudits despite the team's drop to League One. A second relegation to the third tier has not deterred his ambition, and he looks set to cut ties with Rennes after two years in France.
