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BIRMINGHAM CITY YOUTH GRADUATE LEFT FOR FRANCE LAST SUMMER 16:57, 01 Jun 2025 Jordan James could be heading back to the UK with reports claiming he is wanted by Premier League new boys
Burnley. The 20-year-old Birmingham City youth graduate left for France last summer to sign for Rennes in a deal that could eventually be worth about £8m if all add-ons are met. He gradually
found his feet after a difficult start under then-boss Julian Stephan and he earned more game time under Stephan's replacements Jorge Sampaoli and then Habib Beye. It must have felt
like going out of the frying pan and into the fire for James, who had played for three managers and two interims in the previous campaign at St Andrew's. Rennes eventually posted a 12th
placed finish in Ligue 1 but the Sun's Alan Nixon claims James could be back in England before the start of next season. He is reportedly being sounded out as a replacement for captain
Josh Brownhill, whose Turf Moor future has been open to speculation. Brownhill has been linked with a load of clubs, including Everton, Wolves, Celtic and Rangers after starring for Scott
Parker's side as they won promotion from the Championship. Wales international James said recently about his time over the Channel: “It was weird. I went there with a lot of hope of
playing and I never did. It was a new environment – something massive for me and my family – and I had to keep my head down and keep working. Article continues below “A new coach came in and
I played every game. I’ve got used to the place and now I feel at home. When I do come here (with Wales) it’s obviously a lot easier when I am playing football in France.” James had been on
Birmingham's books for 12 years. Talking previously about his exit , he said: “I’ve been at Birmingham City my whole life but I wanted something new. “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.” WOULD JAMES BE A GOOD SIGNING IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE? TELL US HERE _Everyday, the BirminghamLive football desk strive to deliver all manner of news, features and transfer-related
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