Breaking: Birmingham City midfielder sets sights on exit

According to Fabrizio Romano, Birmingham City midfielder Jordan James wants to leave the club, with Serie A club Atalanta showing interest.

James, a Birmingham City academy graduate, has been in the spotlight for some time, having impressed in the Championship since breaking into the first team.

At 19, the midfielder is already a ten-time Wales international with 105 appearances for the Blues. Last season, he made 47 appearances and scored an astounding eight goals.

James had previously attracted serious interest from others, with bids rejected by Italian club Atalanta during the January transfer window.

Now that Birmingham City is about to enter League One, it appears that their desire has not faded.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano wrote on X that Atalanta is still interested in James, who wants to leave. He wants to start a fresh chapter abroad after the Blues turned down earlier offers for his services, Romano claims.

🔵⚫️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Atalanta keep monitoring Jordan James as potential transfer target for the summer window.

Welsh midfielder, keen to move away and try new chapter after Birmingham City turned down approaches for James from the Italian club last year. pic.twitter.com/cE0NOXSCyu

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 21, 2024

Heading elsewhere?

With a player of James’ potential on the books as Birmingham City prepares to drop into League One, it seemed certain that he will leave this summer.

At such a young age, he has a wealth of senior experience at both the club and international levels, and he appears to be set for a successful career in football. As a player on the rise, it appears doubtful that he will tumble to the third tier next season.

Many would have expected him to join a top-flight club even if the Blues stayed up, but relegation virtually seals his fate.

Atalanta have long admired him, but it would not be surprising if other clubs enter the race for his signing. There is a savvy deal to be made here, and clubs should take note.

The summer ahead

It looks set to be a big summer of change at Birmingham City with key players sure to depart.

Following the revelation that Tony Mowbray would not return, a new manager will be appointed. The next appointment must also be correct, as poor decision-making by the powers that be at St. Andrew’s has led to this unfortunate situation.

Top talents like James appear to be in high demand as a new manager takes over.

It will be a pity to see them leave, but the moves are vital for their careers and will help the Blues collect revenue for reinvestment.