Reece James has been linked with Real Madrid this summer transfer window as the Englishman has not opened any further discussion with a new contract. Although Reece James is on Chelsea’s books until 2025, Real Madrid is monitoring this situation.
As it stands, Reece has been an important part of Thomas Tuchel’s squad, which makes it highly unlikely that the owners would let him easily go. His current market value is around $60m, which would put Real Madrid in a situation to pay a large fee or wait until he is a free agent.
There are no signs that Reece would be unhappy in London, as Chelsea is Reece’s home club. The future awaits whether Reece will decide if Chelsea is a long-term commitment to him or if he decides to gain experience elsewhere.
James began training with Chelsea at the age of six but had a short spell at West London rivals Fulham when he was seven. He turned professional with Chelsea in March 2017. During the 2017–18 season, he captained the under-18s to win the FA Youth Cup and was named Academy Player of the Season. He signed a new four-year contract with the club in June 2018.
Later that month he joined Championship club Wigan Athletic on loan for the 2018–19 season. In March 2019, he was selected to the 2018–19 Championship Team of the Season. He won three awards at Wigan Athletic’s end-of-season awards, including Player of the Year.
On 25 September 2019, James made his debut for Chelsea after returning from injury. He scored his first goal and assisted two in a 7–1 win over Grimsby Town in the third round of the 2019–20 EFL Cup. James became Chelsea’s youngest ever goalscorer in the UEFA Champions League when he scored the fourth goal of their 4–4 comeback draw with Ajax on 5 November 2019. He signed a long-term contract extension with Chelsea on 16 January 2020.
On 14 September 2020, James scored his first Premier League goal, in a 3–1 win for Chelsea against Brighton & Hove Albion. On 5 December, James made his 50th appearance for Chelsea in all competitions in the club’s 3–1 league win over Leeds United.
On 29 May, James won his first-ever Champions League as Chelsea won 1–0 against Manchester City in the 2021 UEFA Champions League Final in Porto.
