- Crystal Palace and Everton eye Jordan James
- Welsh youngster impressing at Leicester
- Rennes prepared to sell
Crystal Palace are reportedly rivalling Everton in the race to sign Leicester City loanee Jordan James. The Welsh youngster has spent the season on loan at the King Power.
James joined Leicester on loan from French side Rennes and has caught the eye with impressive performances. It isn’t likely he’ll be signing permanently following the Foxes’ relegation to League One.
That opens the door for Palace and Everton to make their move for the 21-year-old who has 15 goal contributions to his name this season. He could be one of the first post-Oliver Glasner signings at Selhurst Park if the club do make a concrete move for him.
Palace and Everton Eye James
According to Sports Boom, Rennes are willing to sell James this summer and are thought to value him at £20-25m. He’s been with the French side since August 2024, arriving from Birmingham City.
James has appeared 33 times in the Championship this season, posting an impressive 11 goals and four assists. He is extremely versatile, able to play in attacking, central and defensive midfield.
While Palace and Everton are keen, a permanent switch to Leicester is a possibility. But he doesn’t want to play in League One, which rules out the Foxes using their buy option.
James’ rise hasn’t gone unnoticed in English football and he was hailed by EFL expert George Elek back in March. He called him “so good” and felt he “looked brilliant” during his time breaking through at Birmingham.
Palace Need New Midfielder
Steve Parish’s transfer chiefs are tasked with signing at least one new midfielder this summer. Daichi Kamada is following Glasner out of Selhurst Park when his contract is up at the end of the season.
The Japanese midfielder has been crucial in over the past few seasons, playing an important role in the FA Cup triumph. His workhorse presence will be a big miss, and replacing him is vital.
But there are also doubts about Adam Wharton’s future amid links to clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool. Reports claim that the English midfielder “expects” to depart, and that only further raises the need to recruit in the middle of the park.
Palace will undoubtedly be busy in the summer transfer window and there should be plenty of incomings and outgoings. Spending wisely and on the right players is crucial for whoever succeeds Glasner.
