Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior said the club have "secured the best footballer in the world in his position" after right-back Reece James signed a new six-year deal. James, 26, came through the youth system at Chelsea and made his first-team debut in September 2019. His new agreement - first reported, external by The Athletic - is understood to retain an incentive‑based structure linked to individual and team performance. Rosenior said he "can't stop smiling" about the news James will be staying for the long term, suggesting there had been chances for the defender to depart. "He had many opportunities to leave this club," said Rosenior, who took over from Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge in January.

Source: BBC March 13, 2026 16:18 UTC