Last summer, Chelsea fans witnessed several players from their Cobham academy, including Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ethan Ampadu, and notably Mason Mount, often compared to Frank Lampard, leave the club. This year, team captain Reece James might also be on his way out.

Since Todd Boehly’s takeover of Chelsea, he has spent over £900 million in just 18 months. However, Boehly’s arrival has also led to a policy of selling players, raising concerns among some fans that the club’s owner might sell all the Cobham-developed players to balance the finances.

These fears are growing as rumors suggest Chelsea captain Reece James could be put on the negotiating table. There are speculations that Manchester City is willing to pay a high price for James, considering Kyle Walker’s advancing age. James would be an excellent addition to Pep Guardiola’s talented squad.

UEFA’s new financial control regulations directly link a club’s transfer and wage expenditures to its revenue. Chelsea’s business model relies on generating income through player sales. Selling domestically developed players, like those from the Cobham academy, doesn’t decrease revenue due to the initial contract values of these players. Selling Reece James could bring a significant sum into Chelsea’s coffers.

Since Boehly’s takeover, Reece James has faced continuous injuries. The 24-year-old English player has appeared in only 19 of Chelsea’s 59 Premier League games. Consequently, his contributions to The Blues have diminished. This season, he has managed only one assist and hasn’t scored any goals across all competitions.

Many Chelsea supporters believe that James is an essential part of the club if he can overcome his injury issues. However, there is no guarantee that Todd Boehly and the club’s management share this view.