Reece James insisted Chelsea will win trophies after the club captain signed a new contract until 2032, adding he does not care if he could have made more money elsewhere because Stamford Bridge is his one and only home.
James surprisingly joined Blues boss Liam Rosenior for his pre-Newcastle United press conference at their Cobham base on Friday afternoon, two hours after his six-year deal had been announced.
Club sources say the 26-year-old has agreed to terms which will fit within their ownership’s wage structure. That involves incentivised contracts based on success, such as qualifying for the Champions League.
Considered one of the world’s best right backs – and the best according to Rosenior – James told the reporters present: ‘This club is my home, this is the place I love and want to be. Could I get more money elsewhere? Maybe, but money is not the be-all and end-all. Happiness and where I want to be means more to me. I want to win here – and we will win here.’
James’ previous contract was due to expire in 2028 and Chelsea’s hierarchy do not want their biggest stars getting into the last two years of their deals, let alone the last year. That partially stems from the problems they inherited after their 2022 takeover when Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen left for nothing to join Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.
On having opportunities to leave Chelsea, James said: ‘I came through at this club. This was the one and only club I wanted to play for. I’ve won major trophies here.
Reece James revealed he is not interested in money after signing his new Chelsea contract
‘Why would I not extend? This is my home. My family are here. The club is on the right path to winning trophies consistently again and I believe we will do that. That’s why I’m still here and I re-signed.’
Chelsea later confirmed that his sister Lauren James, a member of England Women’s European Championship winning side, has also signed a new contact at the club.
The 24-year-old has signed a deal until 2030.
Meanwhile, Rosenior defended his decision to suddenly swap Robert Sanchez in goal for Filip Jorgensen, whose mistakes contributed to their Champions League last-16 first-leg thrashing by Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.
Quizzed on the uncertainty created by him claiming he does not have a clear No1, Rosenior said: ‘If you’ve got two outstanding left backs like Marc Cucurella or Jorrel Hato, is it uncertainty for them? I want competition in every area of the pitch. The only difference with a goalkeeper, you’re one mistake away from this situation. Whether Rob makes a mistake against Arsenal that ends up in the net or not, or Filip makes a mistake against PSG.
‘Because of the nature of the goalkeeper position, it’s spoken about more. I have not said to either goalkeeper behind closed doors who is No1 and who is not. I have told them things they need to improve on and where they have done really well.’
Chelsea lost 5-2 against PSG, and now need to orchestrate a miracle comeback in Tuesday’s second leg at Stamford Bridge to avoid exiting Europe. It is also not clear whether he will stick with Jorgensen or bring back Sanchez for Newcastle.
It was put to Rosenior that the best clubs in history have not rotated goalkeepers, including at Chelsea. ‘Those shirts are earned on form, those shirts are earned on performance,’ Rosenior countered. ‘When Petr Cech came here he was a very young goalkeeper. Same with Thibaut Courtois. They earned their time and reputation with their performances they gave on the pitch.’
