Jordan James valuation gives Leeds United obvious summer transfer priority as preference revealed
Jordan James could be worth four times the value of his buy option in his loan deal with Leicester City, as Leeds United remain interested.
Importantly, the midfielder will not be signing with the Foxes, as their relegation to League One cancelled out the buy option.
As relayed by LCFC Daily News on X, French outlet Lequipe has revealed that James’ parent club, Stade Rennais, believe he is worth at least four times the £5million buy option in his Leicester loan deal.
Daniel Farke is keen on adding a new midfielder this summer, and the Englishman could offer quality in the middle of the park, as well as in the final third.
The 49ers may have to pay £20m for James, but that fee is something Leeds can easily afford from just a few sales this summer.
What is Jordan James’ transfer preference?
Leeds have registered their interest in James, who will now return to Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais following the expiration of his loan deal at the King Power Stadium.
Despite the Foxes’ relegation, James was head and shoulders above the rest of his teammates, and multiple Premier League clubs are interested in attaining his services.
Leeds are likely to offload Wilfried Gnonto and Joel Piroe this summer, who could both leave for a combined fee of at least £20m.
According to Lequipe, James’ preference is to stay in his homeland of England, which gives the Whites an added boost of being able to land him.
The 21-year-old is in talks over his future with Stade Rennais, and it feels like the 49ers should get their feelings across to the youngster early and get him to Elland Road before anybody else steals him.
Where would James play for Leeds?
Farke looks likely to stay in LS11 following recent comments from Paraag Marathe, which makes things a little more interesting.
The Leeds boss transitioned away from his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, switching to a back five with two strikers midway through the season.
We have seen different variations of the system, sometimes with two players playing behind a lone striker, often Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
There’s a chance that Farke reverts to his old style next season, which would leave the number 10 spot open for James to fit into.
However, if Leeds were to sign the former Birmingham City star, he could potentially play behind the striker or further back in holding midfield, as his versatility would be highly appreciated by Farke.