Since arriving at King Power Stadium, Jordan James has been nothing short of a revelation; along with this outlet's Fox of the Season! In a campaign defined by torturous inconsistency and shocking defeats, the 21-year-old Wales international emerged as the heartbeat of the Leicester City engine room. His talismanic performances, as many dub them, have provided nine goals and three assists from midfield. That's a literally staggering return for a player tasked with both defensive duties and attacking impetus.
James hasn't just filled a gap: he has enhanced as well as dominated it. He shows a maturity and footballing IQ that belies his young age. Whether it was his clinical strike against Coventry City and others or his tireless work rate during the slog of the winter months, he has proven to be a perfect fit for the Foxes. Too bad he's only on loan, then!
Leicester City must retain Jordan James
For the Blue Army, James represents the gold standard of what a Leicester player should be: committed, creative, concentrated and undeniably talented. His seamless integration into the side made the initial loan from Stade Rennais look like a masterstroke. However, as the season reaches its business end, the optimism surrounding his long-term stay is beginning to evaporate.
Fans want nothing more than promotion and James's permanent addition - neither are likely right now
The reality is LCFC find themselves in a dire financial and competitive predicament. Following a six-point deduction and a string of damaging defeats, the 'Premier League dream' for this season has effectively been extinguished.
A sobering thought has emerged via Leicester Mercury reporter Jordan Blackwell. Blackwell asserts that without the £70million safety net of top-flight broadcast revenue, the club is facing a mass exodus of at least 17 first-team players.
While City do hold a £5m option to buy James, the financial "hole" and PSRs currently 'swallowing' the King Power outfit make exercising that clause a serious challenge. Relegation to League One is a genuine threat, but even staying in the EFL Championship makes a permanent deal for the Rennes man "unlikely".
"For James, City have an option to buy the Welshman in his loan contract, but relegation would certainly prevent a deal from happening, and staying in the Championship may do so too."Blackwell
The club may prioritize balancing the books over securing their star man, leaving only a fleeting romance. Ultimately, James has shown he is a player of EPL caliber. His composure and threat are traits of a midfielder who belongs at football's apex. It is increasingly tragic that it likely won’t be with Leicester.