Chelsea: Reece James explains why he extended contract despite shift in wage structure

In partnership with

Evening Standard

·13 de marzo de 2026

Chelsea: Reece James explains why he extended contract despite shift in wage structure

Blues captain suggested he could have secured a higher salary if he left Stamford Bridge

Reece James has admitted he could have earned more money away from Chelsea but committed his long-term future to the club because it is the “place I love and want to be”.

The Blues’ captain has signed a new six-year contract, keeping him at Chelsea until the summer of 2032.

OneFootball Videos

His previous deal ran until 2028 but Chelsea’s sporting directors have now brought his wage structure in line with the heavily bonus-driven salaries his team-mates have been on since the BlueCo consortium bought the club from Roman Abramovich in May 2022.

James, 26, joined Chelsea at the age of six and has gone on to prove one of the club’s best-ever academy products, making 225 appearances for the Blues and winning five trophies - so far.

“I came through at this club,” James said. “This was the one and only club I wanted to play for. I’ve won major trophies here. Why would I not extend?

Reece James is one of Chelsea’s greatest-ever academy products

Chelsea FC via Getty Images

“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.”

Asked whether he might have earned higher wages elsewhere, James explained why he has remained committed to Chelsea.

“I mean, this club is my home, this is the place I love and want to be,” he said.

“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.”