“A good fee” – Jordan James claim made as Birmingham City exit is mooted

Birmingham City had a terrible season that resulted in their promotion to the third division for the first time since 1995. As a result, this summer’s roster changes will be required.

Due to the Blues’ unannounced demotion, some St. Andrew’s players may feel that they must play Championship football at the very least, while others may need to be sold in order to clear the books and reinvest in the team in preparation for their upcoming challenge.

Jordan James is one such player that might fit into both groups. The 19-year-old has qualified for at least 20 Championship appearances in each of the previous three seasons, but his value has increased because of his incredibly fruitful season, in which he appeared 42 times and scored eight goals.

Mike Gibbs, the Birmingham City Fan Pundit for FLW, has given his assessment on James’ prospects with the Blues.

Here we have looked at the four Birmingham City players set to leave next summer for free if nothing changes.

Fan Pundit thinks cashing in on James may be for the best

Mike, as will be the case with many fans, doesn’t want to see an academy product as talented as James depart the club at such a young age, but accepts that the recent relegation may necessitate just that.

Speaking to Football League World, Mike said: “The one player I think I’d be happy for the club to cash in on would probably be Jordan James.

“That being said, I wouldn’t want him to go, but I would be happy for them to cash in on him.

“I think he’s the one player that would, even with the relegation, definitely warrant a good fee.

“I think, invested in the right way, we could get three, four, five different players potentially that are going to really help in terms of our promotion push.

“So, as long as the money’s spent well, I think we’d get a good fee and, invested well, I think it’d be really beneficial for the club.”

In an effort to make the best choice possible, we have compiled the most recent information regarding the Blues’ managerial predicament.

Moving away from St. Andrew’s might benefit everyone.

Even before James was demoted, it was becoming increasingly likely that he would leave the academy and play his best football elsewhere. It is never pleasant to watch a player come through the ranks and then go on to play for another team.

The youthful midfield player was linked to Serie A teams Atalanta and Fiorentina in January; the former formally made a £4.28 million bid, which was turned down at the time. Since then, Premier League teams like Crystal Palace, Everton, and Wolverhampton Wanderers have hinted at their interest in the team.

James’ situation makes it hard to see how the Blues could hold onto him, which increases the likelihood that he will go.

Naturally, James’s career would benefit from it since he would be able to push himself to new heights, but the Midlands team might also be able to benefit from it.

According to earlier reports, James was valued at £10 million by Birmingham prior to his demotion. Given their current circumstances, purchasing clubs will probably need to lower the asking price since the Blues will now need to sell more quickly.

Anything even close to that amount, though, would offer the newly promoted League One boys a level of spending power unmatched by any other third-tier team, further cementing their status as the clear favourites to return to the Championship.

As Mike points out, selling James might free up money to recruit several high-caliber players and strengthen the team as a whole as opposed to hanging onto one bright player. Though Mike notes, it might be best for everyone concerned, it will be a sad farewell.

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