Reece James signs new long-term deal with Chelsea

Reece James has committed his long-term future to Chelsea by signing a new contract at Stamford Bridge.

The England international has put pen to paper on a fresh five-year deal that will make him the highest-paid defender in the club’s history.

James first joined Chelsea at the age of six, making his first-team debut against Grimsby Town in the EFL Cup in September 2019; scoring one and assisting two goals.

The defender has gone on to make 128 appearances for the Blues across all competitions, scoring 10 goals.

Speaking to Chelsea’s website, James professed his delight at committing his future to his boyhood club, declaring: “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.”

Reece James: here to stay!

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 5, 2022

Blues chairman Todd 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.”

James has appeared five times for Chelsea in the Premier League this season, scoring once and providing one assist.

The 22-year-old scored five times in the English top-flight last season, with Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes the only defender to match that tally, while he was directly involved in a joint-high tally of 14 goals (level with Trent Alexander-Arnold) having also provided nine assists.