Reece James signs new five-year contract with Chelsea

Chelsea right-back Reece James has signed a new contract with the club that will make him the highest-earning defender in the club’s history, the club has announced on their website.

James signs a five-year contract and will earn £250k-per week with the club with the option of another year. He will be one of the highest-paid defenders in Europe.

After a summer of big spending, Todd Boehly and the Clearlake Consortium are now trying to secure the long-term future of their young talents.

Boehly has introduced a US-style contract policy for players under 25, locking them on deals for as long as seven years.

New signings Marc Cucurella and Carney Chukwuemeka signed six-year contracts, while Wesley Fofana signed a seven-year deal upon joining from Leicester City.

They tied Armando Broja down to a six-year contract following links with moves to Southampton and West Ham United. They have now followed up with a deal for James.

He has become an indisposable member of Thomas Tuchel’s squad since the German took over. Since returning from his loan at Wigan Athletic in 2019, he has gradually worked his way up the ranks.

James said: “I am over the moon with my new contract and I’m thankful for the fans, the new ownership and everyone involved in the club.

“I cannot wait to see what the future holds, and I am sure we will have the chance of winning many trophies.

“I grew up supporting this club and I’ve been here since I was a six-year-old, I put pen to paper on a new deal because this is the club I want to be at.

“I’d like to say a special thanks to the fans, I am here to stay and we have a bright future ahead of us.”

Behdad Eghbali and José E. Feliciano, co-controlling owners, said: “Reece is a very special footballer and one we love having at Chelsea under our ownership.”

“His blend of physical and technical ability is a huge asset to our team now and for many years to come.”

James has scored ten goals and assisted 20 for the Chelsea first team in 128 appearances. He has seven goals and 15 assists in 87 Premier League appearances.

He joined the Chelsea academy at six. He came up through the youth ranks and graduated from the Cobham Academy.

James has won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup with Chelsea. He has also reached three FA Cup finals and one Carabao Cup final.

He has made five appearances for Chelsea in the Premier League this season. James already has one goal and an assist.

Teammates Mason Mount and Edouard Mendy are next in line for new contracts. The club will then review the Jorginho and N’Golo Kante situation.