Huge boost for Chelsea as star signs new long term deal

Chelsea defender Reece James has signed a new long term deal with the club, handing Thomas Tuchel a huge boost ahead of a hectic run of games. 

The Blues confirmed on their official website that the England international had put pen to paper on a six-year contract, keeping him at the club until at least 2028.

Chelsea boss Todd Boehly appears to be planning for the future, with a number of the club’s summer signings being tied down to long-term deals, including Wesley Fofana who signed a deal until 2029, and Raheem Sterling who is contracted to the club until 2027.

James has been in sensational form of late, scoring and providing an assist within the first four games of this season.

The Englishman was also credited with persuading Fofana to join the club, with the Frenchman revealing that James had contacted him and encouraged him to make the move to Stamford Bridge.

James has committed his long-term future to Chelsea

James, 22, established himself in the Chelsea first team during the 2019/20 season under Frank Lampard, having enjoyed an outstanding campaign the previous year while on loan at Championship side Wigan Athletic.

Since returning to the club, the full-back has made 128 appearances for The Blues, scoring 10 goals and providing 20 assists in that time.

He also played a crucial role in Chelsea’s Champions League triumph in 2021, playing 90 minutes in the final as they defeated Manchester City 1-0 to lift the trophy for the second time in the club’s history.

The defender joined Chelsea at the age of six and is one of a number of academy graduates, including Mason Mount and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, to have established themselves within the first team squad over the past few seasons.

Speaking to the club’s website shortly after signing his new deal, James spoke of his joy at committing his future to his boyhood club.

“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,” he said.

“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.”