Robin Bairner
Reece James, Chelsea, 2023/24
© IMAGO
Chelsea are close to losing patience with Reece James, with the 24-year-old poised to be placed on the transfer market by Enzo Maresca in what would be a highly controversial move.
James could be pushed out of Stamford Bridge as early as January, with TBR Football reporting that he could depart at a “vastly reduced” price.
In a stunning turn of events, it is stated that the 24-year-old could be allowed to depart for just €24 million – or perhaps even less.
Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are said to be admirers of the player.
Reece James’ injury woes
Chelsea have reportedly grown fed up of James’ persistent injury problems.
Although he has captained the side three times this season, he has been beset by muscular issues that keep flaring up. He missed the opening seven Premier League matches of the campaign because of a hamstring problem, and after playing just four fixtures these concerns have flared up once again.
Indeed, since the 2022/23 campaign, James has only managed to play 39 games across all competitions for the Blues because his body keeps breaking down.
There are fears that he may never overcome these persistent issues, and with Malo Gusto have impressed Enzo Maresca, Chelsea are ready to hand the right-back berth to the Frenchman on a permanent basis.
The Blues are so frustrated with the situation, they believe they need an additional first-team right-back and having three players in this position is not sustainable.
Reece James, Chelsea
© IMAGO - Reece James, Chelsea
How much is Reece James worth?
With talk of Chelsea being willing to accept €24m – or even less – to sell the 16-time capped England star, how much of a cut-price deal does this represent?
The answer is surprising: not a significant one.
While a fit-and-firing Reece James once commanded an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €69.4m at his peak, he has been so ravaged by injury problems that his current ETV sits at only €23m.
It remains to be seen whether a superpower is willing to gamble on his fitness, even at this price, given how regularly James' body has let him down.