What Jordan James now wants to do once he leaves Leicester City | OneFootball

Jordan James was picked as the young Player of the Year for the Championship season

Leicester City are increasingly likely to suffer League One following their 1-0 loss to Portsmouth on Saturday afternoon, rendering hopes survival now all-but-over for Gary Rowett's side.

The Foxes suffered a disappointing defeat to one of their relegation rivals, with Iban Bowat’s 63rd minute strike proving enough for John Mousinho’s side to earn a crucial three points.

City are now eight points adrift of safety with just three games remaining, with their winless run now stretching to six games.

However, loanee Jordan James was recognised with the young player of the year award during Sunday night’s annual EFL ceremony.

The 21-year-old has contributed 10 goals and four assists for Leicester since joining on loan from Rennes in the summer, proving a rare bright light in an often-dismal Foxes side.

The Welshman struggled for form in France last year, and will now return to the Ligue 1 side at the end of the campaign, where a decision over his future may need to be made.

Jordan James outlines his career ambitions once he leaves Leicester City

James has admitted that it’s been a very difficult campaign at the King Power Stadium, with the team now on the cusp of a second relegation in a row, but the youngster is still pleased with his level of performance this season.

He’s thanked the Foxes for the chance to prove himself after a difficult year in France last season, and he’s happy on a personal level with what he’s achieved in the Championship.

“It's been a tough season, one that we wouldn't have liked,” said James, via LeicestershireLive.

“On a personal note I've hit numbers that I didn't think I was going to be able to hit at the start of the season.

“I had a tough period in France last season, so to be able to come back here and be able to play my best football was a real good opportunity and I thank Leicester for giving me that opportunity, and it's been a good season.”

James has outlined his ambitions ahead of the end of his loan spell with Leicester, as he hopes to earn more accolades in the remainder of his career.

“It's been really good there's a lot of top quality players in this league and they're bound to do big, big things and hopefully I can do the same,” he added.

James has a contract with Rennes until June 2028, meaning there are still two years left on his current deal.

However, it remains to be seen whether he will be a part of the Ligue 1 side’s first team plans when he returns from Leicester.

A permanent move to the King Power is quite unlikely at this stage, particularly with relegation to League One now on the horizon.

The 1-0 loss to Portsmouth means Leicester must win all three of their remaining games to have any chance of survival.

However, if Blackburn Rovers earn two from their last two fixtures, then there will be nothing the Foxes can do to get out of the bottom three.

Next up for Rowett’s side is a home clash against sixth place Hull City on Tuesday evening in a 7.45pm kick-off.

Jordan James has time on his side

It was a difficult first year in France for James, but he still managed 23 appearances in their first division, including 14 starts.

The 21-year-old still has a lot of time to develop into the best version of himself, and this year at Leicester has been great for getting back some confidence and showing what he can do.

He’ll be missed by the Foxes, but their disastrous campaign has ensured there is virtually no chance of a permanent stay at the King Power.

It remains to be seen whether James will be a part of Rennes’ plans next season, but there will no doubt be Championship sides lining up to sign him if he becomes available again.