Jordan James explains choosing Wolves over Premier League opportunities

Jordan James says he chose Wolverhampton Wanderers despite having opportunities to move to the Premier League, explaining that he wanted to join a team aiming to win promotion. In comments reported by BBC Sport on September 23, the Wales midfielder said previous relegation experiences with Birmingham City and Leicester City influenced his decision.

Watch the highlights:

James joined Wolves from Rennes last month. The club's August 19 announcement confirmed a loan with an option to buy, meaning a permanent transfer next summer depends on Wolves exercising that option. The 22-year-old returned to the Championship after spending the previous campaign on loan at Leicester, where he scored 11 goals in 34 appearances.

Leicester's relegation to League One ended the possibility James had considered of staying if the team had performed better, according to the BBC report. He spoke positively about the confidence Leicester had given him but said Wolves quickly became his preferred destination. He maintained that reaching the Premier League remains his ambition, despite passing up opportunities this summer.

His individual achievements at Leicester contrasted with the team's difficulties. The club's end-of-season awards announcement recorded a clean sweep of its three main men's honours: the supporters' player award, the players' player award and the young player prize. Leicester also confirmed four Championship assists and his recognition as the division's Young Player of the Season.

Wolves identified his experience and versatility as reasons for signing him. In the club's announcement, head coach Cesar Peixoto described a midfielder capable of operating in several roles within his system. James had previously made 105 appearances for Birmingham, including 95 in the Championship, before joining Rennes in 2024 and making 25 appearances for the French club.

His first weeks at Molineux have not yet brought a league start. BBC Sport reported that all six of his Championship appearances for Wolves have come as a substitute, with one goal, while his starts have been in the EFL Cup. James nevertheless said he sees Wolves as the right club to help him reach the top flight.