Chelsea are preparing to sell captain Reece James next summer
Chelsea FC’s audacious plan to sell Reece James could stir discontent among fans, especially considering that the club may entertain offers for the injury-prone right-back in the upcoming season.
As per reports from The Times (subscription required), via Express, Chelsea is contemplating offloading the 24-year-old during the summer transfer window and could entertain bids in the region of £60 million. This valuation could attract interest from several European clubs eager to secure his services.
Among the potential suitors, Real Madrid has emerged as a possible destination for the talented right-back. Should they meet Chelsea’s asking price, their pursuit of James could materialize into a transfer deal.
James has faced a challenging season marred by frequent spells on the sidelines due to injuries. The English international’s recurring fitness issues have significantly limited his playing time, prompting concerns about his availability for the remainder of the campaign, as echoed by Mauricio Pochettino’s recent comments.
As Chelsea gear up for another active transfer window, offloading players to generate revenue and adhere to Premier League Financial Fair Play regulations is a priority. This could entail the sale of several academy products, including James.
However, supporters may not welcome the prospect of James departing the club. Much like Mason Mount, the right-back has endeared himself to the fanbase. Yet, with financial considerations looming large, Chelsea might view James as a viable asset to sell in order to bolster their finances, despite his popularity among fans.
The Chelsea ownership is acutely attuned to the sentiments of the supporters, and they understand the backlash that would ensue if Reece James were to be traded. While they acknowledge the possibility of considering offers for the injury-prone player, they recognize that James holds a special place in the hearts of the fans. Therefore, any decision regarding his future would need to carefully balance financial considerations with the desire to maintain fan loyalty and satisfaction.
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But for a variety of reasons, a move for the Chelsea captain has never been considered realistic. The 24-year-old has never considered leaving Chelsea as of yet. As an illustration of his continued commitment, he took up the role of club captain. But if James doesn’t fit in and stay injury-free, eventually he’ll become more of a liability. Similar to the previous season, this campaign could also go to waste. Whether further concerns will see the club pull the plug remains to be seen.