'Over the moon': Reece James pens new six-year deal to remain at Chelsea

[p]The defender’s previous deal was set to expire in 2028, but the club decided to lock him down to a new long-term contract which will suppress any transfer links heading into the summer window. [/p][p]The 26-year-old, who has been with the West London club since the age of six, is now tied to Stamford Bridge until the summer of 2032 and told the club website about how happy he is to put pen to paper. [/p][p][b]“I am over the moon to have extended my contract - [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/chelsea/4fGZN2oK/"]Chelsea[/a] means so much to me,"[/b] [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/james-reece/nLBC7ERa/"]James[/a] said [/p][p]“I have always said I want my peak years to be here, and I truly believe we have everything it takes to build on our previous successes. [/p][embed guid="d2eb2534-2480-417e-a20d-c7d042a2f563" url="https://x.com/ChelseaFC/status/2032411438439157980?s=20" social-type="twitter" /][p][b]“I’m excited for the future under this ownership, sporting directors, coach and all the staff, and hopefully we will lift many more trophies together over the coming years.” [/b][/p][p]James has made 225 appearances for Chelsea since his debut in 2019 and was appointed skipper in 2023.  [/p][p]Despite various injuries, he remains crucial to the side under Liam Rosenior who lifted the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup trophies last year. [/p][p]Sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart added: “On behalf of ownership and everyone connected to Chelsea, it is a proud moment for all of us to have Reece extend his contract. [/p][p][b]“He is the leader of this team, both on and off the pitch.” [/b][/p]