Chelsea in Pole Position to Sign £34 Million Reece James Alternative
Chelsea in Pole Position to Sign £34 Million Reece James Alternative
Chelsea Football Club is leading the race to sign a new right-back as they seek a long-term solution for Reece James’ recurring injury issues. The latest target for the Blues is Dutch defender Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, with his price tag set at £34 million.
James, Chelsea’s captain, has struggled with multiple injuries over recent seasons, raising concerns about the club’s defensive stability. With the Premier League season in full swing, Chelsea is keen on bolstering their options in the right-back position, especially with the possibility of more absences for their star defender.
Frimpong, 23, has caught the attention of Chelsea’s recruitment team due to his exceptional performances for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. He has demonstrated versatility, speed, and an attacking threat from the right flank, qualities that have made him a standout performer. According to multiple reports, Chelsea is in advanced discussions, with the potential transfer fee around the £34 million mark, a figure that matches his buyout clause.
Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea’s head coach, has been actively seeking reinforcements after James’ latest injury setback, which occurred early in the season. James, who underwent hamstring surgery, is expected to be sidelined for a significant period, leading the club to explore reliable alternatives.
Frimpong, who joined Bayer Leverkusen from Celtic in 2021, has been pivotal in his team’s success, contributing not just defensively but also offensively with goals and assists. His ability to transition from defense to attack would offer Chelsea another dimension, particularly in their wing-back system, where they heavily rely on full-backs for width.
Chelsea has faced competition from Manchester United and other European clubs for Frimpong’s signature, but sources suggest the London side now holds the advantage in negotiations. Manchester United had previously shown interest in the Dutchman as a potential upgrade to Aaron Wan-Bissaka, but Chelsea’s more urgent need for a right-back has put them in pole position to secure the deal.
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In a statement earlier this week, Frimpong’s representatives confirmed that the player is open to a Premier League move, and Chelsea appears to be the most likely destination. Discussions between Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen have reportedly progressed smoothly, and the West London club is confident of sealing the deal before the January transfer window.
If the transfer is finalized, Frimpong would join a young, dynamic squad at Stamford Bridge, where he could form a crucial part of Chelsea’s long-term defensive plans. His signing would also allow Pochettino to rotate players more efficiently, preventing the over-reliance on James and ensuring the club has adequate depth in defense.
Chelsea’s transfer strategy under the ownership of Todd Boehly has been aggressive, focusing on securing young talent to build a squad capable of competing for major trophies. The signing of Frimpong would align with this vision, adding another promising player to a roster that already includes the likes of Enzo Fernández, Levi Colwill, and Nicolas Jackson.
For Chelsea fans, the arrival of Frimpong would provide some relief amid growing concerns over James’ fitness. The England international remains a fan favorite and one of the club’s most important players, but his persistent injuries have left the team vulnerable on the right side of defense. Frimpong’s arrival would reduce the pressure on James, allowing him to recover fully without the need to rush back into action.
The next few days will be crucial as Chelsea looks to finalize the deal before other suitors step in. With the Premier League title race heating up, Pochettino will be eager to have a fully fit squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.
