Birmingham City ready for summer bids, setting a benchmark for key player’s transfer

Birmingham City declined multiple proposals for Jordan James during the January transfer window.

“My discussion points with the owners would be that I feel under our tutelage he will only get better and be worth a lot more.”

Tony Mowbray was quite content for Jordan James to stay at Birmingham City in January, knowing that his transfer worth was only going one way. The sides that expressed an interest in James, particularly Italian side Atalanta, may come to regret not fully testing the Blues’ commitment.

For long of the window, it appeared that a deal could be done for a reasonable fee, but the Blues only received pitiful offers from Atalanta. Other interested parties, like Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers, did not initiate negotiations.

Maybe they will in the summer. Dougie Freedman, Crystal Palace’s sporting director, watched James score for the Blues against Sunderland. In January, they targeted a £22 million transfer for Adam Wharton.

Mowbray really referred to Palace’s transaction for Wharton when determining James’ genuine value. Despite being five months younger than Wharton, James has played more Championship games and has already established himself as a senior international for Wales.

The biggest visible difference between James and Wharton’s statistics – and why Blues can rightfully seek a similar salary – is in their goals. James, including his recent strike against Ipswich, has eight goals in 31 Championship appearances this season, just 17 of which have been starts, whereas Wharton has four in 44 second-tier games for Blackburn.

James’ deal runs until 2025 with a one-year option, providing the Blues two years of stability come the summer. There is also the possibility that James will play for Wales in the European Championships this summer.

The biggest visible difference between James and Wharton’s statistics – and why Blues can rightfully seek a similar salary – is in their goals. James, including his recent strike against Ipswich, has eight goals in 31 Championship appearances this season, just 17 of which have been starts, whereas Wharton has four in 44 second-tier games for Blackburn.

James’ deal runs until 2025 with a one-year option, providing the Blues two years of stability come the summer. There is also the possibility that James will play for Wales in the European Championships this summer.

Wales has an eliminator against Finland next month; if they win, they will face Poland or Estonia for a berth in the Euros. Playing in a major event with all eyes on him can only boost James’ worth.

Simply keeping James in January ensures that the Blues will receive a greater financial package when they eventually cash in. Wharton has set the standard for what a young British midfielder in the Championship can be worth.