Jordan James in a Leeds United kit at Elland Road
Credit: Manh Tung/Breaking Media
Scott Mason
Mon 1 June 2026 13:10, UK
Leeds United are in the hunt to sign Jordan James as Daniel Farke looks to add more names to his squad.
The Whites survived relegation quite comfortably, and if they want to repeat the trick, they will need to invest smartly.
Paraag Marathe has warned that Leeds cannot yet compete as a Premier League club due to financial concerns in LS11.
However, there are plenty of cheap gems on the market that would be ready to step up to the top flight next season.
One of those names is Welsh midfielder James, who has been linked with Leeds, but not for the first time in his career.
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What has been said about Leeds’ interest in Jordan James?
James endured a tough campaign with Leicester City, as the Foxes were relegated to League One.
However, for his personal career, the loan move was ultimately a success. While at the King Power Stadium, the 21-year-old won Leicester’s Men’s Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year.
Jordan James Championship 2025-2026
Games 34
Goals / Assists 11 / 4
Key passes per game 1.4
Pass accuracy 81%
Duel success 40%
That hattrick of awards has put him firmly into the shop window, and LS11 could be his next destination.
According to BirminghamWorld, Leeds are one of many clubs looking to sign James in the upcoming transfer window.
Reports of Wolves’ interest have been shared, but it is a “difficult” move for the relegated side to pull off with “Leeds and clubs in Europe also in the race.”
The Whites have been long-time admirers of James, with Leeds first tracking James back in 2024. James, though, would eventually make a move outside of England.
The Welsh international earned a move to Ligue 1 side Rennes, where he is now contracted. But he recently spent the last season on loan at Leicester City.
Jordan James goal involvements for Leicester City
Credit: Breaking Media
How much could Jordan James cost Leeds?
Based on Transfermarkt’s valuation of the central midfielder, Leeds may expect to pay roughly around £10.3million to secure his services.
However, Leicester City did have a ÂŁ4.3m option to buy. But, after being relegated, the wages and fees for the midfielder are too much for the Foxes.
Leeds United could use that price as a benchmark for their negotiations. If Rennes were willing to let him leave for that fee, the Whites could offer somewhere in a similar ballpark.
Rennes did purchase James for a fee around ÂŁ4m, so they would be recouping their fee, and with profit on the books due to amortisation.