Jordan James opens up on ‘weird’ situation since leaving Birmingham City
Jordan James left Birmingham City to join French side Rennes during the summer transfer window of 2024
Former Birmingham City midfielder Jordan James is finally flourishing in France after admitting his start to life across the Channel was ‘weird’.
James left Blues for Ligue 1 side Rennes in the summer in a transfer which could eventually bank the club around £8m if all add-ons are met. But it wasn’t plain sailing for James to begin with as manager Julian Stephan overlooked him for a midfield position.
The 20-year-old Wales international failed to start a league game before Stephan was sacked in November.
Stephan’s replacement, Jorge Sampaoli, handed James a starting place and the midfielder has continued to feature since the manager’s departure at the end of January. Former Premier League defender Habib Beye has since taken over as Rennes boss.
James was part of a Blues side that had three permanent managers and two interims last season so he should be used to the chopping and changing.
Reflecting on his first season in France, James said: “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.
“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 played over 100 first team games for Blues before departing for Rennes and already has 18 caps for Wales.
“Going to France has really built me up in a character way, personally and on the pitch,” James added after playing in Wales’ 1-1 draw against North Macedonia on Tuesday.
“I feel I can influence games a lot more now. I’m still young, but I don’t feel like that young kid any more.”
Talking about his exit from Birmingham City last November, James 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.”