Jordan James explains Wolves choice after passing up Premier League options

Jordan James says he chose a loan move to Wolverhampton Wanderers despite having opportunities to join Premier League clubs, explaining that he wanted to pursue promotion rather than face another season of defeats. In comments reported by BBC Sport, the Wales midfielder outlined why he joined the Championship club from Rennes last month.

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James said several offers had been available during the summer transfer window, but he did not consider the possible top-flight moves right for him. After difficult team campaigns with Birmingham City and Leicester City, he said his priority was winning matches. He believes Wolves offer a route to the Premier League, which remains his intended destination.

The move follows a season on loan at Leicester in which James scored 11 goals in 34 appearances and was named the club's player of the year. Those individual achievements were not enough to prevent relegation to League One. James said Leicester had given him confidence to perform and that he retained considerable affection for the club despite the outcome.

He added that a more successful season for Leicester might have led him to consider staying. Relegation instead prompted him to look elsewhere, with Wolves becoming his preferred choice. The Molineux club have an option to buy him when the loan finishes next summer, according to the BBC. His current arrangement therefore remains a temporary move from Rennes, with a permanent transfer an option rather than a confirmed outcome.

James also clarified the timing of earlier discussions about Wrexham. Asked whether the Welsh club had been a possible destination in the latest window, he said that possibility belonged to the summer of 2025, before he joined Leicester. He expressed no regret over choosing the Foxes, pointing to his enjoyment of the season and his own performances there.

His Wolves career has so far brought one goal in six league appearances, all as a substitute. His starts this season have come in the EFL Cup. James nevertheless said he regarded Wolves as the club where he could demonstrate his ability and work towards playing in the Premier League.