Birmingham City youth graduate left for France last summer
Jordan James had spent 12 years with Birmingham City before his departure to France last summer.
Jordan James could be heading back to the UK with reports claiming he is wanted by Premier League new boys Burnley.
The 20-year-old Birmingham City youth graduate left for France last summer to sign for Rennes in a deal that could eventually be worth about £8m if all add-ons are met. He gradually found his feet after a difficult start under then-boss Julian Stephan and he earned more game time under Stephan’s replacements Jorge Sampaoli and then Habib Beye.
It must have felt like going out of the frying pan and into the fire for James, who had played for three managers and two interims in the previous campaign at St Andrew’s.
Rennes eventually posted a 12th placed finish in Ligue 1 but the Sun’s Alan Nixon claims James could be back in England before the start of next season. He is reportedly being sounded out as a replacement for captain Josh Brownhill, whose Turf Moor future has been open to speculation.
Brownhill has been linked with a load of clubs, including Everton, Wolves, Celtic and Rangers after starring for Scott Parker’s side as they won promotion from the Championship.
Wales international James said recently about his time over the Channel: “It was weird. I went there with a lot of hope of playing and I never did. It was a new environment – something massive for me and my family – and I had to keep my head down and keep working.
“A new coach came in and I played every game. I’ve got used to the place and now I feel at home. When I do come here (with Wales) it’s obviously a lot easier when I am playing football in France.”
James had been on Birmingham’s books for 12 years. Talking previously about his exit , he said: “I’ve been at Birmingham City my whole life but I wanted something new.
“It was a decision that me and my family made. I want to play in the top flight of football and that is what this club does. I want to be fighting for Champions League and Europa League and this was the perfect opportunity to do that.”
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