Leicester City find themselves in a win-win situation as Jordan James’ loan is confirmed

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Leicester City have confirmed the signing of Jordan James from Stade Rennais on loan.

It’s been a difficult transfer window for Leicester, given the obstacles they have faced, but Marti Cifuentes’ side have had a strong end to the window in terms of incomings.

Leicester were disappointed over missing out on Jonas Omlin. However, other additions have been made, such as Julian Carranza, who is set to become Jamie Vardy’s successor as a loan signing.

Josh Brownhill let the Foxes down as they could not agree to his wage demands, which left them needing a midfielder to join their ranks ahead of the 7pm deadline.

EFL Analysis exclusively revealed that Brownhill turned down the chance to earn £100,000-a-week at the Foxes, providing they had earned promotion to the Premier League.

• READ MORE: Leicester City fans have a surprising reaction to Bilal El Khannouss’ Stuttgart loan

Leicester City have a permanent clause in Jordan James’ transfer

Wrexham were in the mix for Rennes’ James before other Championship interest emerged, with it reported that Ipswich Town attempted to hijack the Wrexham move.

That said, James and Aaron Ramsey became loan options for Leicester and those types of signings can be big differentials in a promotion race, meaning it could be deemed as a successful window.

They have both since confirmed, with James sealing an initial season-long loan move, but there is a twist in that, which BBC Sport’s Owynn Palmer-Atkin has since confirmed.

It’s stated that Stade Rennais have confirmed there is an option-to-buy in the deal as well, with the ex-Birmingham City youngster returning to English football to fight for promotion.

He could be a long-term acquisition for the club, given the 21-year-old midfielder’s enormous potential for both club and country.

It’s a win-win, given that there is low risk involved if the transfer flops, but enormous upside if he helps them up and they want to sign a long-term player for the future.

• READ MORE: Late Premier League interest emerges in Norwich City striker Josh Sargent, but there’s a twist

Wayne Rooney praise of Jordan James highlights what Leicester can expect

Speaking back in 2023, Wayne Rooney explained exactly the type of profile of midfielder James is. He detailed exactly what Foxes fans can expect in 2025/26.

Via Birmingham Live, Rooney said: “It’s something I spoke to him about a few weeks ago,” the then Blues boss revealed.

“He’s a very good player and he can play as a six, like he does for Wales, but I think watching him in training, seeing how he can make the box and make really good runs.

“He’s a good finisher. In my opinion, he’s a number eight. As we’ve seen in the last couple of games, he’s done really well from there.

“There’ll be times he plays as an eight, there’ll be times he plays as a six. He’s got that ability. I’ve been pleased with his performances.”