£250,000-a-week Chelsea man has now seen his wages reduced after failure to qualify for Europe

Add as preferred source on Google

Reece James saw his salary reduced as a result of Chelsea’s failure to qualify for Europe in the 2022/23 campaign.

That is according to The Athletic.

So, what is the situation involving Reece James at Chelsea? Let’s take a look…

What’s the story?

Well, you may be wondering why the England international saw his wages cut, as Chelsea’s failure to qualify for any European competition was not solely his fault.

In fact, it was James who agreed for it to happen.

The Athletic believe Chelsea’s No.24 accepted a pay reduction if the Blues failed to qualify for Europe when signing a new six-year contract back in September 2022, which made him the highest-paid defender in the club’s history.

James was handed a deal worth £250,000-a-week, but it is unknown what his salary has now dropped to.

The Athletic believe Chelsea expected a similar level of commitment from another academy graduate in Mason Mount, although the attacking midfielder was not as willing as James was to agree.

It is said that the arrivals of Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly on huge contracts, which did not include reductions in the event of no European football, caused friction with Mount’s camp.

As you may have heard, the 24-year-old has now left for Manchester United in a £55m deal.

How Reece James reacted to Mason Mount leaving Chelsea

In case you missed it, James sent a heartfelt message to Mount after his move to Manchester United was confirmed, having known the Portsmouth-born midfielder since the age of six.

The 23-year-old wrote on Instagram: “Ma brother man. Where do I start. I’ve known you since six years old, we grew together and took similar paths in breaking into the first team.

“Something that seemed virtually impossible. I’m proud to say I done it along side you. I’ve seen you as a little boy and watched you grow into the man and player you are today, you’ve done yourself and your family proud.”

Mount replied: “My brother from day one, so many memories shared together. So proud of you, thank you RJ.”

Now – after roughly 18 years spent together as teammates – the pair are rivals as Mount moves to Old Trafford.