Chelsea captain Reece James is considering leaving Chelsea due to major injury concerns in his career. Reece has been prone to injuries and is expected to leave Stamford Bridge in the upcoming transfer window.
The right-back is setting up plans to join clubs like Barcelona or Benfica where the temperatures are warmer according to beInSports. This preference for a warmer climate is because it will help the defender recover soon from his injuries.
James is on the list of one of the best right-backs in European football when he is fit. He rose to these standards when he proved his potential for the Blues in the 2019-2020 season. The only major concern for Reece is his constant injury blows.
He signed his first contract with Chelsea at the age of 6 and turned professional at 17. James has also played for the Blues in the under-21’s and under-23 squad. The defender quickly rose to the ranks in the first-team squad under the management of Frank Lampard.
The 24-year-old has had his share of injuries ever since he made his debut for the London Giants. Reece has missed 129 games for the Blues in his career. He is still to start this season under the new manager Enzo Maresca.
London has a particularly chill climate which delays the recovery of injured players. The physios in the Chelsea camp have suggested Reece move to a warmer climate. This move can help the player recover quickly from his injuries.
La Liga and Liga Portugal have a slower tempo of play when compared to the Premier League. These slow-tempo campaigns could help James recover and get him playing time. The question is if the clubs are willing to make a deal with a talented right-back like Reece James.
Can James make his move to Spain?
There are many clubs who are in search of a good defender like Reece James. Barcelona is not very far on the list as they are in need of a dedicated right back for their team. This position has been empty for quite some time.
James’s flexibility and abilities make him a top choice for many clubs in the Spanish Leagues. If Reece does make his way to Camp Nou he will definitely get more playing time. He is also most likely to get less injured in a favourable climate. The Premier League is a demanding league and after a move to La Liga, he would fit well.
Barcelona will look to save the purse and will look to negotiate for Reece James. The current transfer fee for the right-back is set at 23 million. This is a pretty huge fee but it has attracted many more interested candidates for Reece James.
Real Madrid are one of the clubs who are actively looking for defenders. They have a serious bump after the majority of their first-team players are out due to injuries. Los Blancos are very short on defenders and will not mind an exceptional player like Reece James in their squad. A 23 million deal will also not sting the Champions League title holders.
Chelsea boss addresses concerns with Reece James’s injury
Enzo Maresca, the Chelsea manager has revealed in a press conference that Recce’s injury is serious. The English right-back is expected to miss out on the whole of 2024. James has not started once under Maresca’s reign.
The England international had recently come back from a hamstring injury that kept him out of the squad at the start of the season. This new injury will now keep the defender out of playing time at least till the start of the new year. While addressing Reece’s situation Maresca said-
” The only thing we can say is he is getting better day by day. We don’t know how many days he needs.”
James has only made 30 appearances for Chelsea since the 2022-2023 campaign. the defender has also not played international games due to injury concerns. The last capped game of Reece for England was in March of 2023.
There are speculations that Reece is considering to shift his career to Spain. Chelsea will not hold back the right-back. The Blues are open to releasing the 24-year-old in a transfer deal if the youngster’s injury deals continue to persist.
The current contract extends till 2028 for the defender. James is looking for a deal from Barcelona or Benfica to move to a warmer climate. Chelsea will look to negotiate big-money deals with the footballing giants.
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