James’ journey to Wolves

A pictorial journey guides supporters through the highlights of the Welsh international’s footballing career so far, which has seen the 22-year-old enjoy time in the midlands as well as across the channel in France.

2^nd November 2021 | Born in Hereford, James came through the youth system at Birmingham City before the then-17-year-old was given his senior debut in the Championship match at home to Bristol City, replacing former Wolves winger Jordan Graham.

27^th November 2021 | After further appearances that month against Hull City and Coventry City, James made his first start for the Blues in their victory over Blackpool – in which he assisted Lukas Jutkiewicz’s winner.

2^nd January 2022 | Although he began the season with the under-18s, James would start the next five Championship matches for Birmingham, as he became a first-team regular under Lee Bowyer.

18^th January 2022 | Despite his young age, James consistently battled with some of the biggest teams in the division, as he helped Blues pick up some much-needed Championship points.

26^th February 2022 | Starting away at Stoke City in February 2022, James opened the scoring on 12 minutes to net the first goal of his senior career. The game would eventually end in a 2-2 draw.

18^th April 2022 | James would end his first season in senior football – in which he played 20 times for the Blues – by claiming his second assist in the final day defeat to Blackburn Rovers.

30^th July 2022 | The midfielder would be a starter straight from the off under John Eustance as the 2022/23 campaign began, starring as his side claimed four points from their opening two matches.

25^th November 2022 | Having played for Wales and England at international youth level, James is part of the senior Wales contingent at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, travelling as a back-up.

11^th March 2023 | Although most of his minutes came off the bench during the second half of 2022/23, James started the last three once his side’s Championship status was confirmed.

5^th August 2023 | Despite Birmingham’s relegation in 2023/24, James enjoyed a breakthrough season scoring the first of his eight goals in a 4-1 home win over Huddersfield Town.

7^th September 2023 | A first senior Welsh cap came for James against Croatia in March 2023, before the midfielder earned his first senior international start in a goalless friendly against South Korea.

25^th November 2023 | James’ late left-footed strike secured Birmingham their first win of the Wayne Rooney era, as the Blues came from behind to beat Sheffield Wednesday at St Andrews.

23^rd December 2023 | The midfielder scored the first brace of his senior career against Leicester City, although his side would go on to fall to defeat to the eventual league champions.

23^rd December 2023 | Five days after his Leicester showing, James scored again in a 3-3 draw away at Plymouth Argyle.

17^th February 2024 | James scored further goals against Swansea City, Sunderland and Ipswich Town, but he couldn’t stop Birmingham from being condemned to League One relegation.

9^th September 2024 | As well as continuing to star for Wales, James headed to France during the 2024/25 season, playing 25 times in Ligue 1 and scoring once in a Coupe De France fifth round.

9^th June 2025 | James’ first international goal arrived last season when the midfielder netted the winner in Wales’ 2026 World Cup qualification clash against Liechtenstein.

30^th September 2025 | A return to the Championship on loan last season provided James with the most successful year of his career, as he scored 11 times in 34 games for Leicester City.

6^th December 2025 | James would find the net against the likes of Wrexham, Swansea, Norwich City and Sheffield United during the first half of the season.

17^th January 2026 | Although a hamstring injury saw him miss a month of the second half of the campaign, James would still net against Derby County twice, Watford, Coventry, QPR and Hull.

24^th April 2026 | Leicester’s relegation to League One was confirmed in late April, but James was named the club’s Player of the Season in the final home outing two days later.