Chelsea Football Club is reportedly considering the prospect of selling Reece James if the right opportunity arises.
Earlier this summer, the talented academy graduate was appointed club captain, stepping into a leadership role previously held by Jorginho and Cesar Azpilicueta.
Although there were high hopes that Reece James, an England international, would become a cornerstone of Mauricio Pochettino’s revamped team after regaining full fitness during the pre-season, his recent injury setbacks have raised questions about his future.
James had to withdraw late from the season’s first Premier League fixture against Liverpool, citing fatigue as the reason.
Unfortunately, he suffered a recurrence of a hamstring injury in training the following week, sidelining him from action.
This absence provided an opportunity for Malo Gusto to showcase his skills in James’s stead, although it’s expected that the Frenchman may return to a substitute role once James is fit again.
Real Madrid’s Interest in Reece James
According to reports from Sport, there is a potential scenario where Reece James could be sold for what’s described as “a good price” in the future.
Real Madrid, long-term admirers of James’s talent, are purportedly willing to submit a €40 million (£34.35 million) offer for him at the end of the season.
While Chelsea currently has no immediate intention of approving such a sale, there are hints that their stance may soften in due course.
This decision may largely hinge on James’s ability to maintain fitness over an extended period, considering he has seen a reduction in his playing time over the past 18 months.
In the 2022-23 season, James started in just 14 matches and made two substitute appearances in the Premier League. The previous season saw him in the starting lineup for only 22 of the 38 Premier League matches.
Real Madrid’s Need for a Long-term Replacement
From Real Madrid’s perspective, they are in need of a long-term replacement for Dani Carvajal, who is now 31 years old and has less than two years remaining on his contract.
Lucas Vazquez and Nacho, both older than Carvajal, currently serve as his backups. Therefore, Los Blancos must address this position sooner or later.
However, it’s worth noting that Real Madrid is reportedly unwilling to go as high as €65 million (£55.82 million), a valuation that had been previously suggested.
The situation surrounding Reece James’s future at Chelsea remains uncertain, and it will undoubtedly be a topic of interest as the season progresses.
