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Reece James started in midfield in Chelsea's 5-2 defeat at Paris St-Germain on Wednesday Chelsea captain Reece James has signed a new six‑year deal that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2032. The 26‑year‑old is a youth product at Chelsea and made his first-team debut for the Blues 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. The England international is Chelsea's highest‑paid player on £250, 000 a week. James' deal was due to expire in 2028, making him one of the club's priorities for a renewal. He signed that contract shortly after the takeover by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital in 2022. He has been a starter for 19 of his 26 Premier League appearances with the Blues this season and has made 225 appearances in total for the club. "I am over the moon to have extended my contract - Chelsea means so much to me, " James told the club website. , external "I have always said I want my peak years to be here. " James won the Champions League in 2021 with Chelsea, along with the Uefa Super Cup in the same year and the 2025 Conference League and Club World Cup, and was named captain three years ago. Talks are thought to have progressed quickly, with James encouraged by how his recovery from a series of injuries has developed after several disrupted seasons. He underwent surgery in December 2023 in an attempt to fix a recurring hamstring injury. On the pitch, he has been effective in full-back and midfield roles. It is understood he has impressed with improvements in his leadership since early criticism under former head coach Enzo Maresca. James has stated that earning a place in England's 2026 World Cup squad is a major goal, having missed the last two tournaments through injury. He played in the qualification matches against Albania and Latvia in early 2025 after a two-year international absence. He withdrew from the squad for October's friendlies against Wales and Latvia with injury, but he returned in November and played in the 2-0 win against Serbia at Wembley. Chelsea's Neto apologises for pushing over ball boy 'I'm a Chelsea fan but my grandad was a Vale hero' Latest Chelsea news, analysis and fan views Ask about Chelsea - what do you want to know? The numbers behind Borthwick's nightmare Six Nations Russell takes dominant Chinese GP sprint pole 'Iran's women are heroes - they want to be free' Oscar-nominated Frankenstein and more movies that made Guillermo del Toro Celebrated actor Jessie Buckley picks her Desert Island Discs A new spin on Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice Behind the making of one of Hollywood's most quotable films 'Iran's women are heroes - they want to be free' The numbers behind Borthwick's nightmare Six Nations 'Dream come true' - Redknapp eyes Jukebox Man Gold Cup win Players must believe in your methods - the mentality of winning a relegation battle How do Scots beat 'nemesis' Ireland for first time in 12 meetings? Why London Spirit spent £390, 000 on uncapped Sussex all-rounder Coles From best in league to bench - Foden's mysterious loss of form Why England will keep kicking regardless of what fans think Will Everton's formidable away form throw open title race? Meet Paralympics GB's 26th team member Winter Paralympics daily guide: 13 golds to be decided on Friday Tudor's tactics: Pinpointing how his choices have made things worse The Brits travelling in their thousands to 'Costa del Cheltenham' Frozen out? The 'mixed' team event with one female player Old Firm chaos: What happened? Who said what? What now? Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.