Chelsea have confirmed that defender Reece James has signed a new five-and-a-half-year contract with the club.
Chelsea Defender Reece James Signs New Five-Year Contract
Part of the First-Team Set-Up
Having spent last season out on loan, the 20-year-old is now part of the first-team plans under Frank Lampard at Chelsea.
James made his first-team debut at Stamford Bridge earlier this season in a 7-1 win over League Two Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup.
Since then he has staked his claim to nail down the right-back spot under Frank Lampard and has played the last three games for the Blues in all competitions.
However, James has also proved to be a versatile addition for the Chelsea boss, operating as a central midfielder earlier this season in a 2-1 win away to Lille in the UEFA Champions League.
Dream Come True
Speaking to the official Chelsea website, James said: “It has been my dream to be here at Chelsea and play week in week out and to have a contract for another five-and-a-half years is living the dream again.
“I have always wanted to be here and another five-and-a-half years means a lot to me and a lot to my family.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s director, Marina Granovskaia, commented on James’ commitment, saying: “The smooth way Reece has fitted into the team so quickly despite missing the start of the season has been clear for everyone to see, and the fact another exciting young player is part of the future of the club is a result of great work by our Academy, our loans department, our new coaching staff and of course the player himself.
“Reece started his football education with us at the age of six and his performances on loan at Wigan last season paved the way for a strong beginning to his career in the Chelsea team.
“We are very pleased he now has the perfect opportunity to build on that and become a major player for us for many years to come.”
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