New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has made securing the future of defender Reece James a priority, according to reports.
James, of course, has long established himself as an integral member of Thomas Tuchel’s squad in west London.
Just this past season, for example, an evident dip in Chelsea’s performances was noted upon the stopper being forced into an extended spell on the sidelines, with James’ ability on both sides of the ball sorely missed throughout the Blues’ ranks.
And yet, to this point, those in a position of power at Stamford Bridge have failed to reward the Cobham youth product with the kind of financial terms reflective of his key status.
It is understood that James’ current contract, penned back in early 2020, sees the English international take home around £70,000-per-week.
Such a figure makes the 22-year-old one of the lowest-earning members of Chelsea’s senior squad.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 28: Marcus Rashford is challenged by Reece James and Cesar Azpilicueta during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford on April 28, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
And it is precisely this fact which, over recent months, had begun to give rise to doubts surrounding James’ future.
Amid interest on the part of European champions Real Madrid, it was suggested that James could seek out a Stamford Bridge exit, owing to frustrations over Chelsea’s failure to adequately recognise his immense talents.
As alluded to above, though, any such fears on the part of the Blues faithful regarding a potential departure for the club’s defensive star have today been eased.
This comes on the back of confirmation that incoming owner Todd Boehly has made it his ‘personal mission’ to tie James down for the long-term.
As per Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail, ‘it is understood that Boehly has made a decisive move to ensure resolving James’ contractual situation is among the club’s priorities’.
Discussions over the terms of a new deal, in turn, are expected to get underway in short order.
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly to make personal intervention to ease Reece James new contract doubt. No formal talks yet but tintention to now clear. However, no guarantees the process will be swift. https://t.co/nUGJZ7VBf4
— Sami Mokbel (@SamiMokbel81_DM) June 24, 2022
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