Chelsea has no intention of allowing Reece James to leave this summer, despite mounting financial pressure on the club, sources have informed ESPN.
The West London side is gearing up to face Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night, aiming to salvage what has been a disappointing first season under head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Currently positioned 12th in the Premier League with 10 games remaining, Chelsea did reach the Carabao Cup Final, albeit losing to Liverpool in extra-time, and are set to face Manchester City in an FA Cup semifinal at Wembley later this month.
Securing European football for next season, either through winning a trophy or climbing up the league table, is seen as crucial for generating vital revenues.
There are concerns that Chelsea could potentially breach UEFA’s Financial Fair Play guidelines or the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Although sources within Chelsea have downplayed the possibility of non-compliance, the club’s substantial spending since the Todd Boehly/Clearlake Capital takeover in May 2022—exceeding £1 billion ($1.2bn)—has raised eyebrows.
While around £400 million has been recouped through player transfers, it’s understood that Chelsea may need to offload players again by June 30 to balance the books for the current accounting period.
Defender Trevoh Chalobah and midfielder Conor Gallagher are reportedly among those likely to be made available, despite Gallagher’s standout performances this season.
Tottenham has been frequently linked with Gallagher, whose contract will have just one year remaining at the end of the season. Failure to secure an extension could force Chelsea to consider offers.
Under PSR regulations, profits from sales of academy graduates are significant, prompting speculation about James’ potential departure. However, sources indicate that Chelsea is reluctant to part ways with James, whom they recently made club captain and awarded a new six-year contract in September 2022.
While Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have shown interest in James, it remains to be seen if Chelsea will resist lucrative offers this summer. For now, the club is planning with the defender in their ranks for the upcoming season.