Crystal Palace have now entered the race to sign Rennes midfielder Jordan James, having missed out on Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney.
Hackney could be set to leave his boyhood club this summer, with the Boro captain attracting major interest from clubs in the Premier League, following his side’s 1-0 defeat against Hull City in the Championship play-off final.
Palace, of course, have Europa League football on offer next season, which could make Selhurst Park an attractive destination, but they have so far been unable to get a deal for the Englishman over the line.
As such, alternative options have now entered the frame, including former Birmingham City star James, who made 105 appearances for the Blues.
During that time, manager Chris Davies praised the Welshman for his professionalism amid interest from abroad, saying: “He’s shown a brilliant attitude. Every day JJ has worked hard and there has been no difference in him to all the other players.
“That is testament to him as there has been a lot of noise and speculation around him. I spoke about this with him right from day one. But, for such a young man, to deal with it all with the composure he has I’ve been really impressed.”
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Crystal Palace may need to sign a new midfielder this summer, with Liverpool in constant contact to sign Adam Wharton, so the interest in the Rennes maestro makes a lot of sense. More promisingly, there have been widespread reports suggesting Daichi Kamada is close to signing a new contract, which means signing a new central midfielder may not need to be an absolute priority. |
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Finances |
Palace are planning to shell out £10m for the 21-year-old, which feels like a reasonable fee, given that he is still very young. Not only that, but the Eagles also shelled out £45m on Jorgen Strand Larsen in January, before going on to qualify for the Europa League, so £10m is unlikely to break the bank. |
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Scouting |
The 26-cap Wales international spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Leicester City, who were ultimately relegated from the Premier League. However, it was an impressive campaign on a personal level, with the Foxes’ loanee scooping up their Player of the Season award, courtesy of contributing 11 goals and four assists in 34 Championship matches. |
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Impact |
With James being involved in more than a quarter of Leicester’s goals in the Championship last season, his departure may leave a gaping hole in the squad. However, a move to the Premier League makes sense at this stage of the central midfielder’s career, having proven himself in the second tier, and he could end up being a solid long-term replacement for Wharton. |
Crystal Palace plotting bid for Jordan James
According to reporter Alan Nixon (via Palace Report), Crystal Palace are now plotting a £10m bid for James, who has the same agent as Dean Henderson, but there could be competition for his signature from Serie A side Atalanta.
The Eagles are said to have missed out on Hackney, which means they are eyeing alternative targets, and Southampton’s Shea Charles is also among the options.
Jordan James has similar qualities to Adam Wharton
Wharton was Palace’s most proficient playmaker in the Premier League last season, registering five assists, while the Welsh maestro also excels when it comes to creating chances for his teammates.
The Hereford-born midfielder created 55 chances in the Championship, the second-highest number in the squad, and he impressed across a number of other key metrics to boot.
- 2,172 minutes played
- 15 goal involvements
- 0.8 shots on target per 90
- Finished as Leicester’s top scorer
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