Rhe uncertain future of Chelsea’s star right-back, Reece James, and fellow wing-back, Ben Chilwell, amidst concerns over their long-term suitability for the team. James has been sidelined with a hamstring injury for the second time this season, casting doubts over his availability and sparking rumors of a possible move to Barcelona in January 2025. The Spanish club is reportedly willing to pay a mere €20 million for James, a significant discount from his usual price tag. Chelsea, in turn, are looking to trim their squad and bolster their ranks with new signings, making James’ departure a potential solution for both parties.
James’ persistent fitness issues have led to Chelsea’s willingness to offload him, despite being valued highly by the club. This lack of availability has been a significant problem for the team, with James playing only 654 minutes of football since being named captain. Real Madrid, who had expressed interest in signing James over the summer, may have lost interest due to his recurring injuries.
Meanwhile, Ben Chilwell is also likely to leave the club in January 2025, with rumors suggesting that he could join Juventus on loan. Chilwell has struggled to secure sufficient game time at Stamford Bridge, playing only one game this season with a total of 45 minutes under his belt. He had previously pushed for a move away from Chelsea last summer but was unable to secure a transfer.
The potential departures of James and Chilwell could benefit the team, allowing them to bring in new players who can contribute to their success. Moreover, their departure could also create new opportunities for existing squad members. Callum Hudson-Odoi, for instance, could establish himself as the team’s first-choice right-back upon James’ departure, while Emerson Royal could take on a more significant role in the team following Chilwell’s departure.
The article concludes that the potential departures of James and Chilwell could be a significant step in Chelsea’s rebuild. The team is seeking to trim their squad and bring in new players who can contribute to their success, making the departure of James and Chilwell beneficial for both the team and the players. The outcome of James’ and Chilwell’s fate hangs in the balance, with the possibility of a new chapter emerging for both players and the Chelsea squad as a whole.
