James, who has been plagued by recurring injuries, has struggled with consistent game time this season, which has led to growing speculation about his future at Chelsea. The England international is reportedly considering an exit before the end of his contract, as his injuries and limited appearances have raised concerns about his long-term role with the team.
Sources now indicate that James could be open to exploring a move to either Barcelona or Benfica. Both clubs are believed to be potential destinations where James hopes to find a more balanced environment that would allow him to manage his fitness better and regain his form.
The possibility of a transfer is gaining traction, especially as James looks for a setting that can accommodate his need for consistent playing time while addressing his injury issues.
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Since the start of the 2022/23 season, Reece James has only managed to make 26 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, with just 11 appearances across all competitions last season.
Last season, James underwent surgery to treat a recurring hamstring injury and made a few appearances towards the end of Chelsea’s campaign. Unfortunately, he has yet to feature for the club this season after sustaining another hamstring injury during pre-season. According to journalist Matt Law, James is expected to return to full training next week, provided there are no setbacks.
Law stated, “Reece is due back in full training, all being well, next week hopefully. I’m always a bit cautious because there might be a minor issue that causes a delay, but the hope is to get Reece back into full training soon. One thing is certain—they’ll handle his return with extreme caution, so even if he resumes training, don’t expect him to be rushed back into action.”
This careful approach reflects Chelsea’s priority to ensure James’ long-term fitness, particularly given his history of injuries, and the club is expected to manage his recovery with utmost care.