Everton, Crystal Palace, and Wrexham have reportedly entered the race to sign Leicester City midfielder Jordan James. Following Leicester’s recent confirmation of relegation to League One, several top clubs are looking to secure the signatures of their standout performers.
The Foxes have endured a grueling season. Their fate was sealed earlier this month after a points deduction made survival impossible. Now, rivals are circling to pick up key talent before the summer transfer window opens.
The Jordan James Situation
While Leicester City would prefer to keep their best players, they face a unique challenge with Jordan James. The midfielder is currently on loan from the French outfit Rennes. Although the Foxes hold a purchase option in his contract, the Welsh international ultimately maintains the final say on where he plays next year.
A report from Sports Boom indicates that Everton, Crystal Palace, and Wrexham have already initiated contact regarding a permanent move. It is expected that Rennes will seek a transfer fee of approximately £20 million to part ways with the player.
While Leicester hopes to retain him, the prospect of the Welsh star playing in the third tier of English football seems highly unlikely. A move back to the Premier League is the most probable outcome, though Wrexham remains a wildcard if they manage to secure promotion through the upcoming playoffs.
Comparing the Suitors
The battle for James could come down to league standings and European football.
- Everton: Currently fighting for a European qualification spot, the Toffees might offer the most prestigious sporting project.
- Crystal Palace: Sitting just four points behind Everton with a game in hand, the Eagles are also focused on their Europa Conference League campaign.
- Wrexham: The rising club would almost certainly need to achieve Premier League promotion to compete with the financial and competitive pull of the established top-flight sides.
Given the interest from multiple high-level clubs, it appears almost certain that James will be wearing a different shirt when the new season kicks off.