Reece James says Chelsea FC “have everything it takes” to be successful after signing a new six-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
A Chelsea academy graduate, James has been at the club since the age of six, and the 26-year-old says he wants to remain at the club for what he hopes will be his “peak years”.
James has won five major trophies with Chelsea, including the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup, making more than 200 appearances for the club, over 50 of which have been as captain.
“I have always said I want my peak years to be here, and I truly believe we have everything it takes to build on our previous successes,” James said in a club statement.
“I’m excited for the future under this ownership, sporting directors, coach and all the staff, and hopefully we will lift many more trophies together over the coming years.”
Chelsea won the UEFA Europa Conference League and the Club World Cup last year but have failed to seriously challenge for the Premier League title since an American consortium took control of the club from Roman Abramovich in 2022.
The Blues are currently fifth in the Premier League with nine matches remaining and were beaten 5–2 by Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday.
Chelsea’s sporting directors, Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, said it was a proud moment to have Reece extend his contract.
James is also expected to be Thomas Tuchel’s starting right-back for the England national football team at the upcoming FIFA World Cup after overcoming a series of injury problems.
He has played 35 matches in all competitions this season — his highest tally since the 2021/22 campaign.
