Major Jordan James to Wolves transfer development surfaces | OneFootball

Jordan James is set to complete a loan-to-buy transfer to Wolves

Wolves are set to complete the signing of Rennes midfielder Jordan James on an initial loan, with an obligation to buy at the end of the season.

James' future had been up in the air all summer after returning to the French outfit at the end of last season, somewhat surprisingly, from Leicester City. If not for their relegation to League One, the Welshman likely would have had his stay at the King Power Stadium made permanent.

Nevertheless, the 22-year-old was one of the few bright sparks in an otherwise dismal campaign for Leicester, and a move back to a top Championship outfit was on the cards throughout the ongoing window.

With just under two weeks left until that window slams shut, James' destination now seems clear.

Jordan James set for Wolves move

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James won the Championship Young Player of the Season award last year, scoring 11 and assisting four at the King Power Stadium. Understandably, he wasn't short of suitors aiming to be at the top end of the second tier this summer.

Burnley, West Ham United, Middlesbrough and Wolves all registered interest, and it seems that the 22-year-old will be joining the latter.

According to L'Equipe, James is set to join the Old Gold on an initial loan deal, with an obligation to buy at the end for at least €10 million (£8.55m), barring any last-minute bid from a Premier League side.

Head coach Cesar Peixoto has spoken of his desire to bring in a "high quality" midfielder to the club this summer, and after the opening-day draw against Blackburn Rovers at Molineux last Friday, midfield reinforcements will definitely be needed to help control games regularly this season.

James will provide that, with the potential to grow even further at the club, too.

How Wolves fans have reacted to Jordan James breakthrough

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There are plenty of differing opinions on the way that Wolves have gone about the deal to bring James to Molineux.

Some are rather pessimistic about how they haven't been able to buy him outright this summer, with those jumping to conclusions that either Wolves don't have the money or James would be holding out for a Premier League move in case the Old Gold don't get promoted.

"A fantastic signing, but a major red flag about FOSUN, and clearly indicates they’ve turned the taps off. We should absolutely have the capital to do a permanent deal now, but they’re hedging their bets with a loan, likely just in case we don’t get promoted," one fan said.

"Basically couldn’t convince him to sign permanently and wants a Premiership move so signs on loan, hopefully plays well and gets bought by a Premiership club if we don’t get promoted," another added.

Ultimately, an obligation to buy removes any doubt that James could leave at the end of the season if Wolves don't get promoted, and ensures that the money spent on him won't be taken out of this season's accounts.

Fosun have used this tactic multiple times over recent seasons in deals for Jorgen Strand Larsen and Ladislav Krejci, so some Wolves fans aren't too worried, and are looking forward to seeing the Welsh international at the club soon.

"If true, then that's the best piece of business we've done in years," another fan said, more positively.

"Unreal bit of business if all goes through," another commented.

Jordan James will hope to kick on even further at Wolves this season

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Last season didn't pan out the way that James would have expected it to when he signed for Leicester, but there's no doubting that he personally had a good campaign.

In fact, while the Foxes weren't exactly thriving before he went down with a hamstring injury in January, it was from then on that the season soured even further at the King Power. James started just four of the final 18 games last season, coinciding with the slide into the relegation zone.

Despite being part of that relegation, his 15 goal contributions at such a young age may have piqued the interest of Premier League clubs, but the 22-year-old is set to land at the top of the Championship once more.

Wolves or elsewhere. Those at Molineux will hope it's with them.