Birmingham City must keep one eye on Leicester City situation - it could be promotion key | OneFootball

Jordan James has impressed in a grim season for the Foxes

Birmingham City and Leicester City were two divisions apart last season, and that could, theoretically, still be the case at the start of next term.

It must be said, though, that the West Midlands side would have to embark on a stunning run of form to break into the Championship play-offs between now and May 2nd, whilst the Foxes are still staring back-to-back relegations in the face.

After achieving a first clean sheet since September 20th against Bristol City in a timely 2-0 success last midweek, Gary Rowett's side fell immediately back into the relegation zone with a collapse against Queens Park Rangers, with the West London side leaving the King Power Stadium as 3-1 victors.

Post-match, Rowett's words were a damning indictment of Leicester's precarious situation - one which hardly anybody saw coming despite lengthy uncertainty over the club's finances.

Of course, a six-point deduction brandished by the EFL last month could still have major implications on how their survival mission eventually plays out. But, there are several players within the Leicester ranks who many would argue that, if fully motivated and confident, have the ability to cause maximum damage in the division.

The likes of Abdul Fatawu and Stephy Mavididi - both of whom were instrumental in the 2023/24 title-winning side - haven't been able to replicate such form, though, which has left a fair amount of hope and pressure on the shoulders of Welsh international playmaker, Jordan James.

And, it's fair to say that, if it wasn't for the contributions of the Stade Rennais loanee, the Foxes could already have had their fate sealed.

Jordan James has been the bright spark in a disastrous campaign for Leicester City

James has been a player whose performances have been closely monitored by many for some time, particularly at Championship level after coming through the Birmingham ranks.

After following in Jude Bellingham's heavy footsteps at St. Andrew's, the midfielder went on to establish himself as a first-team regular in B9 and was a beacon of light in a dark period for Blues, which ultimately culminated in relegation two years ago.

Despite their fall into League One, James' contributions, which included eight goals, saw his signature snapped up by the French side in a deal potentially worth £8m.

After a mixed first season at Roahzon Park, it seemed a coup for Leicester to land the highly-rated midfielder's services on loan, and that has certainly proven to be the case.

Across just 28 Championship outings for his temporary employers, James has hit double-figures in goals as a result of his fine finish against the Hoops, as well as posting a further four assists.

So many times this season, the Foxes have relied on his ability to dictate play and to effectively become a metronome across the park to get themselves out of troublesome in-game situations.

As such, it would be no surprise to anybody if the 21-year-old became the subject of intense summer interest, with Leicester's current situation certainly seeing them ruled out of a permanent move, especially with a campaign in League One still likely.

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It has been a hot topic of discussion amongst Bluenoses as to how the academy product could have fared in Chris Davies' system at St. Andrew's, and his form this season will have only increased such discourse.

The Blues boss has, for a long time, trusted Paik Seung-ho at the base of his midfield, with the likes of Tommy Doyle and Tomoki Iwata featuring alongside the South Korean.

Meanwhile, a criticism of Davies' has been that he hasn't always been able to settle on a main position for the likes of Marvin Ducksch and Jay Stansfield, despite the fact the duo are Birmingham's leading scorers.

James, of course, has demonstrated an ability to feature as a deep-lying and advanced midfielder, and given the finances and ambition at his former club's disposal, a summer move may not be as unrealistic as first thought.

This also comes amid talk that two unnamed Bundesliga sides, Real Sociedad and AEK Athens have lodged inquiries over Ducksch's availability in the summer market, with the 32-year-old having just over two years left on his contract.

Therefore, this could be a move which unlocks a sustained promotion bid for Blues given James' goalscoring and creative presence from midfield.