Chelsea have confirmed that they have agreed a new long-term contract with defender Reece James.
Since being provided with his first-team opportunity under Frank Lampard, the academy graduate has established himself as one of the best right wing-backs in world football.
In total, James has provided 10 goals and 20 assists from 128 appearances in all competitions, including 22 goal contributions from 87 outings in the Premier League.
Such has been James’s impact at Stamford Bridge that he has attracted long-term admirers in the likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid.
With the England international due to have two years remaining on his contract at the end of this campaign, Chelsea’s domestic and European rivals would have likely considered a formal bid.
However, it has been well documented that new co-owner and interim sporting director Todd Boehly has been keen to hand extended deals to each of Chelsea’s key assets.
At a time when the 22-year-old falls into that bracket, Chelsea have announced that James has now committed his future to his boyhood club until 2028.
Speaking to the club’s official website, James said: “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. 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.”
Boehly added: “We are thrilled to give Reece a new long-term contract at Chelsea. He is an outstanding player and a true Chelsea man, and we are all looking forward to watching him continue to flourish at Stamford Bridge.”
The news of James’s new contract follows on from the announcement on Friday evening that Armando Broja had also penned fresh terms with the West Londoners.
If reports are to be believed, Mason Mount, who has less than two years left on his deal, could be next player to have his future resolved by the powers-that-be.
Chelsea came through the summer transfer window having made 12 signings, bringing in a mixture of prospects and experienced players.
