Report: £250,000-a-week Chelsea player is now looking to join Barcelona

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Chelsea fans have watched many senior players depart since Todd Boehly took over from Roman Abramovich.

The likes of Jorginho, Conor Gallagher, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Mateo Kovacic and Edouard Mendy have left Stamford Bridge in recent times, amongst many others, with the Blues opting to adopt a more youthful approach to recruitment.

As a result, Enzo Maresca does not have anybody over the age of 27 in his Premier League squad, although that has not mattered too much so far this season as Chelsea sit fourth.

Now, another experienced Chelsea player could leave Stamford Bridge.

Reece James considering swapping Chelsea for Barcelona

A story from Football Transfers now states that Reece James is exploring a move to Barcelona for the sake of his career.

Steve Kay states that the England international has been informed by physios that a warmer climate might give him a better chance of avoiding regular injuries, with Benfica also an option being explored by the Chelsea academy graduate.

James has missed a total of 129 games for Chelsea due to injury problems, suffering issues with his hamstrings, knees and other areas in recent years, with experts believing he would have a greater chance of extending his career by moving somewhere hotter.

Football Transfers do not share how Barcelona and Benfica feel about this situation, but sources believe both sides have been contacted by the Chelsea No.24’s agent.

James is yet to play a single second of football so far this season, having managed to make just ten Premier League appearances last term.

Todd Boehly and Enzo Maresca must explore all options at Chelsea

If a warmer climate is the only thing that will help James – who Kyle Walker called “complete” – Chelsea may be helpless to convince him to stay.

However, Boehly and Maresca must do all they can to ensure there is nothing else Chelsea can do to help, or else the Blues will effectively be letting a highly valuable asset leave for peanuts.

James, who Jorginho said is better than Trent Alexander-Arnold, is still only 24 years of age, and was at least a £50m footballer when free from injury, a status reflected by his £250,000-a-week contract.

It would be a major mistake if the England international is allowed to leave on the cheap for the benefit of his career, only for Chelsea to be left with egg on their face if he shines.

Therefore, whether it be a buyback clause for a fixed price, or a huge sell-on fee inserted in the deal, Chelsea must explore every avenue before allowing James to depart.