Wolverhampton Wanderers have confirmed the signing of Jordan James, the Championship Young Player of the Season from the previous year. The Wales international joins on a loan deal from Ligue 1 side Rennes, which includes an option for a permanent transfer next summer if the club activates it.
James, who is 22, was born in Hereford and began his career at Birmingham City. He progressed through their academy and made his debut at 17, going on to make 105 appearances for the Blues, with 95 of those in the Championship.
Career progression and international experience
During his time at St Andrew’s, James also became a senior international for Wales, his father’s native country. He debuted against Croatia at 18 and has since earned 26 caps, scoring one goal against Lichenstein last year.
In 2024, James moved to Rennes in the French top flight, where he played 25 times before returning to the UK on loan at Leicester City last term. At the King Power Stadium, the midfielder scored 11 goals, which was the highest for Leicester, and also provided four assists.
His performance led to him being voted the division’s top young player. He also received three awards at his club’s end-of-season ceremony, being named Player of the Season by both supporters and teammates, in addition to the young player honour.
Wolves’ perspective on the new signing
Nathan Shi, Wolves‘ executive chairman, stated that the club’s approach this transfer window has been to identify players eager to play for Wolves. He noted that after speaking with James, it was clear the player believes in the club’s project and wants to be there, describing him as a fantastic player.
Shi added that James was a top target due to his talent, being homegrown, and his familiarity with the Championship, where he performed well last season. The club is looking forward to seeing his accomplishments with his new teammates and coaches.
Head coach Cesar Peixoto described James as a box-to-box midfielder with significant quality, and highlighted his knowledge of the Championship as important for the team. Peixoto aims to bring in players with the right characteristics for his system, believing James is a good match.
Peixoto also mentioned James’s intelligence and versatility, noting he can play in two or three positions within the team’s structure. He sees James as an important addition to improve the team this season, emphasising the benefit of having more players familiar with the Championship.
Technical director Matt Jackson expressed delight that James chose Wolves, despite being sought after by many teams. He stressed the importance of waiting for the right target and was pleased with the outcome. Jackson described James as level-headed and ambitious, possessing a proven goal-scoring contribution, great energy, and strong league knowledge.
James had been linked with several Championship clubs, including Middlesbrough and Burnley, after expressing a desire to return to England. Reports from L’Equipe indicate that Wolves reached an agreement with the French club for the transfer.
While Rennes reportedly valued the 22-year-old in the region of £10m, the specific amount of the loan fee and the option to buy were not disclosed. James has already undergone his medical examinations with Wolves. The club is expected to try and finalise the transfer before their Championship fixture against Preston North End on Saturday.
His versatility in midfield and his status as a homegrown player are seen as beneficial for Wolves, particularly in complying with EFL matchday squad regulations.
The move for James could potentially impact the future of midfielder Fer Lopez, who has expressed interest in returning to Spain with Celta Vigo. Lopez spent the latter half of last season with the Spanish side, who have been attempting to secure his return.
Wolves are scheduled to travel to Preston North End this Saturday for their next Championship match.
Source: wolves.co.uk