Birmingham City star Jordan James has agreed personal terms with Serie A outfit Atalanta ahead of a potential €4.5 million transfer, according to TUTTOmercatoWEB.
The 19-year-old has been one of the major plus points in the Blues’ miserable campaign to date, which culminated in their second managerial sacking of the season this morning. An announcement made by the club earlier today confirmed that Wayne Rooney has left St Andrew’s with immediate effect following a run of just two wins in 15 games.
This leaves the West Midlands side in a precarious situation once again, especially after the criticism they received in October after parting company with John Eustace, who had guided Birmingham into the play-off places in what was their best start to a season in several years.
It appears as if the 38-year-old won’t be the only person leaving this month, with Welsh international James on the verge of a switch to Italy. The youngster has been a staple of the Birmingham team since making his debut in November 2021.
The midfielder earned his first full international call-up less than a year later and has since gone on to make eight appearances for Rob Page’s team. He is likely to be a part of the squad which faces Finland in March as Wales look to secure qualification to Euro 2024 via the play-offs.
According to the report in Italy, Atalanta have submitted their opening offer of €4.5 million plus bonuses. Serie A rivals Bologna are also interested, although Fabrizio Romano backs up the claims by saying that talks between the two clubs are progressing and personal terms have already been agreed.
⚫️🔵 Atalanta sent formal bid to Birmingham City for Jordan James, talks advancing between the two clubs.
Initial fee will be around €4/4.5m plus add-ons.
🏴 Welsh midfielder born in 2004 has agreed on personal terms, as TMW called. pic.twitter.com/DlYQfFf6i6
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 2, 2024
James has started each of Birmingham’s last seven league fixtures, a run which has seen him score three times. This included a brace against champions-elect Leicester City last month before he hit the net in the 3-3 draw with Plymouth Argyle, bringing his season tally to five.
Writer’s View
Jordan James is Birmingham’s latest crown jewel and they will be hoping that this deal can prove as lucrative as their sales of the Bellingham brothers in recent years.
The Blues are hardly strapped for cash, but this fee can be reinvested straight back into the playing squad as the next manager targets a comfortable end to the season. Who that is remains to be seen, but fans will be hoping for a swift appointment and that their young midfielder will be available for this weekend’s FA Cup clash with Hull City.
Head of Writing
