Reece James, the Chelsea defender, has shared his feelings about the possible departure of his teammate Mason Mount to Manchester United, expressing his sadness at the prospect.
James also expressed his optimism about the future under the potential management of Mauricio Pochettino, hoping that he can bring stability back to the struggling club.
Chelsea endured a challenging season, finishing in 12th place and achieving their lowest points tally in Premier League history with just 44 points.
The club went through four different coaches, including Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Bruno Saltor, and Frank Lampard.
Now, the focus is on Pochettino to rebuild the team, particularly in midfield, as Mount and Mateo Kovacic are likely to be sold due to their contracts expiring in 2024.
Additionally, N’Golo Kante’s contract is set to expire at the end of the month.
Recent reports suggest that Manchester United have already reached an agreement on personal terms with Mount, leaving Chelsea resigned to losing a player who has been with the club since 2005.
James, who came up through the Chelsea academy alongside Mount, admitted that losing the talented midfielder would be a significant blow for the team.
During an interview with Sky Sports, James was asked about his feelings regarding Mount’s potential move to Manchester United.
He responded, “Yeah, of course. If he goes, everyone will be sad to see him go.” Another Chelsea player, Ben Chilwell, was also asked about Mount’s possible departure and expressed his desire for Mount to stay, emphasizing their close friendship. However, he acknowledged that it was not his decision to make.
James, who is currently in Barcelona for the Spanish Grand Prix, had a challenging season due to injuries, which limited his appearances in the Premier League to just 16.
Nonetheless, he remains hopeful that things will improve for both himself and the club under the management of Pochettino. When asked about working with Pochettino, James replied, “Yeah, everyone is saying he’s a great manager.
Hopefully, next season we find our feet early and become a strong side. It’s been a tough year, with lots of injuries and a disappointing league position. Hopefully, next year will be better.”
While Chelsea is undergoing a significant exodus this summer, the club is also actively pursuing new signings.
They have reportedly secured a £52 million deal for Sporting Lisbon defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte, signaling their commitment to strengthening the squad.
As Chelsea looks toward the future, the potential loss of Mason Mount to Manchester United remains a point of concern for the team.
Fans and players alike will be eagerly awaiting developments in the coming weeks as the summer transfer window unfolds.
