Birmingham City Midfielder Subject Of European Interest

Birmingham City midfielder Jordan James was the subject of a failed bid from Italian side Lecce in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Alan Nixon.

The 19-year-old has been a regular presence in John Eustace’s side at St. Andrews this season but could he be tempted to follow in the footsteps of former Birmingham City star Jude Bellingham and move abroad?

Career to-date

The Welsh youth international has already made 66 first-team appearances for Birmingham City, contributing to four goals. He’s featured in all six matches so far this season but has only started one of those games.

James was also called up to train with the Wales national team during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and has since earned three caps for his country.

Following in the footsteps

In recent seasons, Birmingham City have overseen the rise of several young stars at the club, with the most noticeable being England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham.

However, Jude’s younger brother Jobe left Birmingham for Sunderland in a £3 million deal during the summer and following his impressive start, it could play a factor if the Welshman wanted to follow in their footsteps and pursue regular first-team football elsewhere.

An impressive start

James played just three minutes of Saturday’s 2-0 defeat against Watford which was the club’s first loss of the Championship season so far. Blues have beaten Leeds, Plymouth Argyle and Bristol City so far this season and currently sit in the top six of the division.

What’s been said?

According to journalist Alan Nixon, James remains of interest to Lecce, despite their failed move for the midfielder in the previous transfer window.

This opens the door for a potential swoop in January, although there is currently no comment on whether James would be interested in moving to Italy or indeed if he is even considering a possible exit.

Writer’s View

Jordan James has proven to be a reliable young midfielder at St. Andrews has really stepped up, but a busy transfer window has seen the player reduced to a substitute option rather than a first-team star.

If this were to continue, I could definitely see James pushing for an exit in January based solely on his current quality and the fact he’d want to play more consistently. However, Lecce won’t be the only side interested if an exit becomes likely in January.