CHELSEA captain Reece James has penned a new contract that will keep him at the club for six more years.
The English Premier League club announced the new deal today, praising the defender’s impact at Stamford Bridge.
“Chelsea is delighted to announce that men’s team captain Reece James has signed a new contract until 2032,” the club stated.
“First training with the Blues as a six-year-old, Reece progressed through our Academy and has become a figurehead in our first-team squad.
“He has made more than 200 Chelsea appearances, lifted five major trophies, including the UEFA Champions League in 2021 and the FIFA Club World Cup twice, and has captained the Blues on more than 50 occasions.”
James, 26, said he was delighted and looking forward to the coming years after committing his future to his childhood club.
“I am over the moon to have extended my contract – Chelsea means so much to me,” he said.
“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.
“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.”
Sporting Directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart said: “On behalf of ownership and everyone connected to Chelsea, it is a proud moment for all of us to have Reece extend his contract.
“He is the leader of this team, both on and off the pitch. Reece knows what it means to wear this badge and, having committed his long-term future to Chelsea, we’re looking forward to continuing the journey and working towards further success together.”
James, who started supporting Chelsea as a child, rose through the club’s academy ranks at Cobham after joining their development centre programme.
He made his Under-18s debut while still a schoolboy in 2015/2016 and was a key figure in the side’s Treble-winning season the following year.
In March 2017, Reece signed his first professional contract. He finished the following campaign as Chelsea’s Academy Player of the Season and captain of the Youth Cup-winning side.
After an impressive loan at Wigan Athletic, which saw James named the club’s Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the season, he was integrated into the first-team squad ahead of the 2019/2020 campaign.
James scored on his Chelsea debut in a League Cup victory over Grimsby Town, netted against Ajax in a memorable Champions League clash, and ended the season having made 37 appearances for the Blues.
