Following the departures of Glen Kamara and Archie Gray, Leeds United are in the market to find replacements in the middle of the park. The Whites’ Boss Daniel Farke has made it a priority to revamp their midfield this season.
Interests in players like Gabriel Sara continue but there is another midfielder that has caught Leeds’ eye. According to Football Insider, The Whites have shown a “strong interest” in 20-year-old Birmingham City midfielder Jordan James. The Wales international is said to be a long-term replacement for Leeds’ midfield.
James became a full-fledged Wales international at age 18 in an EURO 2024 qualifier against Croatia and has since made 11 appearances for The Dragons. Last season, James was one of the standout players for Birmingham City, although his exploits couldn’t save City from relegation. The Welsh international played 42 league matches scoring eight goals in the process.
Following The Blues’ relegation, the club might need to forcibly get rid of their prized asset. Jordon is in the final year of his contract but Birmingham has an option to extend it for another year. If the midfielder refuses to stay at his boyhood club, then the West Midlands outfit might need to cash him out this year itself.
Leeds United set to step up transfer activity
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Leeds United face immense pressure to get their squad going before the new season starts. The Whites are in the market with only two signings, namely, Joe Rodon and Jayden Bogle. In stark contrast, The Whites have lost 16 first-team players either permanently or on loan.
On the other hand, Birmingham are on a shopping spree, they have already signed eight players spending £11.7 million up until now. Logic says with this bill, The Blues might need to get rid of a few players to balance their books but Birmingham Live says otherwise. The West Midlands media outlet has claimed that no bids have been on the table since January.
In January, Serie A side Atalanta tried to snub the midfielder but had three offers rejected. While there might not be any foreign clubs trying to buy the midfielder, Leeds now face Premier League competition for the Welshman’s services. Unlike Gabriel Sara, five Premier League clubs have shown interest in Jordan James.
Recently promoted Ipswich Town and Southampton, and season veterans like Newcastle United, Brighton and Hove Albion and Leicester City are all in for the Welsh midfielder. The transfer market is going to be a tough one for The Whites as they try to revamp the squad under new Gaffer Daniel Farke.
James has played every preseason game and it doesn’t look like he’s going anywhere