Chelsea star Reece James explains why he hates transfer windows

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By Martin Graham | 15th Feb 2023

Chelsea man Reece James has revealed that he does not like transfer windows.

The fullback has been in and out of the hospital and the physiotherapist’s room this season thanks to recurring injuries that have detailed his season. His absence from the squad is also costing Chelsea, as they have struggled without his immense influence to create something in the league.

As a result, they are sat in 10th after 22 games and risk missing out on European football for the first time in more than two decades.

The January transfer window has come and gone and Chelsea were the highlight of the period. Spending over £300 million, the Blues, under the leadership of Todd Boehly and Behdad Egbali, signed eight players in the window. This comes after they had spent around £250 million in the summer.

As a result, Reece James has had to come back to new teammates more than he has featured for Chelsea this season. Despite understanding that this is part of football, the England Three Lions international says he hates transfer windows and all the uncertainty that comes with it.

James especially does not like the January transfer window. “The transfer window is one of my biggest hates,” he said in a recent interview with Sky Sports. “The January period is always so busy with many games and then you have transfer noise.

“It’s all a bit too much in one month, I don’t really listen to much… it’s a crazy month.

“I quite enjoy playing with new players, you don’t really know what to expect from them. They’ve all come in from different places all over the world, different teams, and they are all here to help at the end of the day. The quicker they can settle the quicker they can help.”

The 2022/23 summer and winter windows have brought in more than 15 new players to Chelsea’s training grounds as Graham Potter struggles to find the best way to fit them all into his plan.

The former Brighton and Hove Albion manager has struggled since taking over the job from Thomas Tuchel in the first half of the season but James threw his weight behind his manager and stated that Chelsea will be back stronger.

“I don’t think there’s a trophy we can’t win,” the England international said.

“When that happens I don’t know, but with the team we’re building and what the club is turning into…

“With all the young players, once we have played together for a longer period of time I think we’re going to be one of the best teams in the world.”