(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media)

Ciaran Morrison

Mon 4 May 2026 18:30, UK

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Leeds United have been warned against signing Jordan James this summer if they want to kick on as a Premier League club.

That is the view of former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking to Football Insider, as James has been linked with a move to Elland Road.

The 21-year-old was a bright spark for Leicester in the Championship this season, on loan from French club Rennes, and the midfielder could look to permanently move back to England this summer.

Leeds look on course to retain their Premier League status following their 3-1 win against Burnley last time out, which lifted them seven points above the relegation zone with three games left to play.

Daniel Farke is expected to be backed by Leeds’ ownership again this summer to further strengthen his squad, which could include sourcing a new midfielder.

Jordan James ‘not a vast improvement’ on Leeds’ options

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that James would be better suited at a Championship club, or a side in their first season in the Premier League.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness thinks that Leeds would be taking a “risk” signing James this summer.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Whilst he’s done alright in a poor team at Leicester, I don’t see him being a vast improvement for Leeds.

“He would be more for one of the clubs coming up or for a club in the top of the Championship sort of level. It depends on what price he’s going to go for, but there would be a risk coming into an established Premier League club.

“Leeds will be looking for more experience and a bigger quality, more established presence in midfield, if they’re going to push on. You need three teams if you’re in the Championship, one to get up, one to stay up, and one to kick on in the Premiership. Leeds are now in that final phase of trying to kick on.

“Whilst Jordan James is a talented player and may suit somebody, I don’t think he’s going to be a good fit for Leeds.”

Leeds look to tie down star to new deal

Farke will be keen to tie midfielder and captain Ethan Ampadu down to a new contract this summer to ensure the 25-year-old remains at Elland Road.

Ampadu has been a key part of Leeds’ successful first campaign back in the top flight, and he has the versatility to play at centre-back if needed.

Wyness told Football Insider that he believes talks have already begun between Leeds and Ampadu over a long-term deal.

When Premier League survival is mathematically confirmed, talks may be able to accelerate between both parties, with interest sure to be high for Ampadu if he was to become available.