According to a report from Football.London, Reece James has been associated with a potential departure from the club due to interest from Real Madrid, potentially prompting some challenging conversations.
The challenging aspect for the defender has been his limited availability for the team since the 2019/20 season due to consistent injuries. While it’s evident that any team would desire a player of James’ caliber, concerns arise when considering his availability. This raises a complex dilemma for Chelsea: whether to continue with the defender for the long haul, considering his existing contract still spans five more years, or to entertain transfer offers from other clubs.
James’ Outstanding Performance for Chelsea In The Previous Season
Reece James consistently delivered impressive performances while patrolling the right side of Chelsea’s defensive line in the previous season. However, despite his efforts, Chelsea couldn’t maintain a steady position in the Premier League standings. Over the course of the campaign, the 23-year-old contributed with two goals and two assists in 24 appearances for the Blues, across various competitions.
This homegrown talent showcased his versatility, proving to be an asset in both defensive and offensive aspects of the game. His statistics reflected this versatility, with averages of 1.9 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, 1.3 clearances, 1.0 shots, 1.3 key passes, and 1.4 dribbles per game in the Premier League. Furthermore, his passing accuracy was an impressive 90.7%, highlighting his ability to distribute the ball effectively in league matches (statistics provided by whoscored).
His current contract with the West London club is scheduled to conclude in the summer of 2028. Consequently, acquiring his services at a reduced price next year would present a hurdle for Real Madrid, and Chelsea may be hesitant to entertain a sale.
Will He Make An Exit Next Summer?
Reece James excels in the art of ball retrieval, showcasing well-timed tackles to swiftly identify and neutralise threats within his own half, thereby regaining possession for his team. When facing pressure from opponents, he adeptly clears the defensive lines to alleviate potential dangers.
While his primary position is right-back, he exhibits the versatility to function as a centre-back or even as a right-sided wide player, depending on the manager’s tactical instructions.
The English full-back demonstrates a keen ability to create promising opportunities for his teammates and displays proficiency in dribbling. Moreover, he possesses the capability to unleash potent and accurate long-range shots.
With anticipation of Reece James’ inclusion in Chelsea under the guidance of manager Mauricio Pochettino, we can look forward to a notable improvement in defensive solidity. Provided he remains injury-free, he could play a pivotal role in contributing to the Blues’ pursuit of potential silverware, given the team’s revamped composition. However, it’s worth noting that he is presently in the process of recovering from another injury, and his performance for the remainder of the season remains to be seen. Nonetheless, the Cobham Academy graduate’s commitment to the Blues remains unwavering.