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Jordan James lands a boost after playing just 27 minutes since leaving Birmingham City
Jordan James has endured a difficult start to life in France since leaving boyhood club Birmingham City - but the sacking of Rennes manager Julien Stéphan could be a blessing in disguise for the 20-year-old.
Blues belatedly sold James to Rennes in July after the Wales international had featured in all of their friendlies. James looked set to play an integral role under Chris Davies before opting out on the eve of the season.
The transfer to Rennes ended six months of speculation over James’ future after Blues rejected multiple bids from Serie A club Atalanta during the January transfer window. Manager at the time, Tony Mowbray, talked James up and made comparisons with Adam Wharton – who moved to Crystal Palace from Blackburn for a reported £18.5m – but Blues won’t get half of that figure, even if all add-ons are secured.
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James could eventually bring in around £8m, which was significant during a summer of heavy spending for Blues, and he can’t be blamed for swapping League One for Ligue 1.
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“I’ve been at Birmingham City my whole life but I wanted something new,” said James. “When I spoke to this club, the ambition and the way it’s going is something that I want to be a part of.
“It was a decision that me and my family made. I want to play in the top flight of football and that is what this club does. I want to be fighting for Champions League and Europa League and this was the perfect opportunity to do that.”
But James has barely played in France. Three substitute appearances in Ligue 1 worth 27 minutes is all James has to show in three months with Rennes. Stéphan preferred ex-Leeds United midfielder Glen Kamara, Azor Matusiwa, Albert Grønbæk and Baptiste Santamaria to James in his engine room.
Rennes' record of six defeats in their opening 11 league games has cost Stéphan his job. They have appointed former Argentina and Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli as his replacement.
Despite his struggles, James has retained his place in Wales' squad. Wales boss Craig Bellamy said: “I’ve had little conversations with JJ. It’s always difficult for a kid or anyone who moves to a different country. It was the same with myself (in Belgium) the first couple of months.
“You’re picking up the language, but it’s just a different way of doing things. Even simple things like the food. JJ is in that period where he’s still a young kid. But he’s at a really good football club that develops young players and progresses them and I see it as a smart move.
"I know JJ’s not getting game time right now, but in his future development this will be a really good period for him. I believe it will accelerate him and he’s going to be a beneficial player for Wales for a number of years."
