Chelsea’s U-turn: Previously Untouchable Player Now on Chopping Block in Football News
Chelsea star Reece James is reportedly no longer considered ‘untouchable’ in the transfer market. It has been claimed that Chelsea could listen to ‘big offers’ for the defender, as efforts need to be made to balance the books at Stamford Bridge. James has scarcely featured this season due to a succession of injuries, with a hamstring problem likely to keep the 24-year-old sidelined for the next two months.
This has led Chelsea to consider listening to offers for the player despite him being made the club captain last summer. Selling academy graduates is helping the club attempt to navigate Financial Fair Play and profit and sustainability regulations. Any money received for academy players counts as ‘pure profit’ on a club’s accounts, helping to strike off expenditure.
Chelsea have prioritized selling players who have progressed through their youth ranks in recent years, although this has not been entirely popular with supporters. It is reported that right-back James could leave if a major proposal is received, and it is unclear if interest from Real Madrid remains. Chelsea’s struggles and the potential departure of James have added to the uncertainty at the club, with manager Mauricio Pochettino accepting that his job is not safe, despite an upcoming FA Cup fourth-round replay and the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.
