Former England international Glen Johnson has suggested that Liverpool should consider an ambitious move for Reece James, arguing the Chelsea captain could significantly strengthen Arne Slot’s defensive structure as the Dutch manager continues reshaping his squad.
James, widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s most complete right-backs when fully fit, has endured an injury-disrupted spell over the past two seasons but remains a key figure at Stamford Bridge and a natural leader within the CHELSEA dressing room. Despite his fitness concerns, his technical quality, crossing ability and tactical intelligence have consistently attracted admiration across English football.
Johnson, speaking in an interview this week, described the idea of LIVERPOOL pursuing James as “audacious but transformative”, suggesting that a fully fit version of the England international could elevate the club’s right-sided play both defensively and in attacking transitions. He also noted that elite clubs often win trophies by taking calculated risks on world-class talent, even when availability records raise questions
‘To be honest, given how versatile Reece James is, I think he’d suit anyone,’ Johnson told Boyle Sports.
‘Because in terms of his ability, he can do a job all over the pitch. He’s a fantastic player, but to have that versatility in your squad is invaluable.
‘He could fill in at left-back, play centre-half in a back three, or be a right wing-back or a midfielder. I think he would genuinely suit any club, especially one going through a few changes or dealing with injuries.
‘Players like him are hard to find because I don’t think he would go to a club expecting to play 50 games at right-back, for example. It’s not going to happen. So, to have a player who can adapt and do whatever the team and squad need, I think a lot of teams would want that option.’
Johnson continued: ‘I’d love to see him at Liverpool, that’s for sure. I think he would suit Liverpool, probably more so than Arsenal.
‘And I think Manchester United would probably want him as well. But Liverpool could be a very good fit, to be honest.
‘We spoke about the right-back option with Jeremie Frimpong and others, but as I said, Reece isn’t going to go to a club and play a solid 40 games in one position. He just isn’t.
‘So, to have him as an option, perhaps in midfield, especially since LIVERPOOL are still in all competitions and will have so many games, injuries, and suspensions, I think he’d be perfect.
‘Yes, I’d love to see him land at Liverpool.’
Why this move is highly unlikely
Despite the headline appeal, a transfer of James from CHELSEA to Liverpool remains extremely improbable. The most obvious barrier is Chelsea’s stance: James is club captain, a homegrown leader, and a symbolic figure in their long-term project. Selling him to a direct Premier League rival would be strategically and culturally inconsistent with their current direction.
In addition, Liverpool’s recruitment model under recent leadership has prioritised availability, durability and value — areas where James, due to persistent injury setbacks, does not currently fit the profile of a low-risk signing. Even if his talent is unquestioned, the physical reliability question alone makes such a deal difficult to justify at board level
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