- Jordan James has 15 contributions this season
- Everton, Crystal Palace and Wrexham are interested in the Leicester star
Everton’s summer plans are expected to focus on adding young talent to a squad that has exceeded expectations this season. David Moyes has transformed the Toffees into European contenders, and with five Premier League games remaining, the prospect of European football is attracting new names to Everton.
Jordan James has emerged on the radar for Everton. The 21‑year‑old midfielder is currently on loan at Leicester City from French side Rennes.
Jordan James has been one of the standout performers in the Championship this season. He joined Leicester on deadline day from Rennes. Despite Leicester’s doomed campaign as the Foxes have been relegated to League One, the Wales international has flourished.
In 33 appearances, including 27 starts, he has scored 11 goals and provided four assists, earning the Championship’s Young Player of the Season award. His Expected Goals (xG) of 4.59 suggest he has overperformed in front of goal, while his Expected Assists (xA) of 4.45 indicate his creativity as well.
Rennes prepared to sell Jordan James in a £20‑25m ‘auction’
According to a report from Sports Boom, Rennes would be willing to sell James permanently this summer. The French club is expecting an “auction‑style” sale, with offers in the region of £20‑25 million likely to be accepted. James’ contract with Rennes runs until June 2028, giving the Ligue 1 side a strong negotiating position.
Leicester have a purchase option in the loan deal. However, the player himself has the final say over any permanent move. Leicester’s drop to League One complicates their financial situation further, making the move even more difficult.
The Foxes would have loved to retain him, but the drop to League One makes that ask unrealistic. Rennes are therefore ready to listen to bids from Premier League and Championship clubs.
European football could give Everton the edge
Everton are not alone in the race. Ipswich Town, Wrexham, Crystal Palace and Italian side Roma are all monitoring the situation. Wrexham still have a chance of promotion to the Premier League via the play‑offs, which would make them an attractive destination. However, Everton’s likely European qualification, should they secure a top‑seven finish, offers a decent advantage.
James has shown his quality in the Championship, and there is a belief that he has the ability to succeed at the Premier League level.
Standing at 5ft 11in, James is a box‑to‑box midfielder who contributes goals from outside the box (four of his 11 strikes have come from distance). He is right‑footed, strong in duels, and has an eye for a forward pass. For Everton, who may need to refresh their midfield with Idrissa Gana Gueye’s contract expiring, James represents a good option.
The price tag is substantial for a 21‑year‑old who has never played in the Premier League, but his numbers suggest he is ready for the step up. If Everton can beat the competition and bring him to Hill Dickinson Stadium, they would be securing one of the EFL’s most exciting young talents. Moyes has a track record of developing such players. Jordan James could be the next name on that list.
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