The Athletic claims as much.
What then is going on with Reece James at Chelsea? Let’s look at this…
Why is this happening?
You might be wondering why the England international had his pay reduced given that it was not only his responsibility that Chelsea did not advance to any European competition.
James actually gave his OK for it to happen.
The Athletic asserts that when Chelsea’s No. 24 signed a new six-year contract in September 2022, making him the highest-paid defender in the team’s history, he agreed to a wage cut if the Blues didn’t make it to Europe.
James was given a contract paying £250,000 per week, however it is unclear what his current pay is.
Mason Mount, another academy product, is thought to have been subject to a similar amount of expectation from Chelsea, albeit he was less eager to comply than James was.
According to reports, there was conflict with Mount’s camp following the signings of Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly to massive contracts that did not contain discounts in the event of European football.
As you may have heard, the 24-year-old has already moved on, signing a £55 million contract with Manchester United.
What Reece James thought when Mason Mount left Chelsea
In case you missed it, James, who has known Portsmouth-born midfielder Mount since he was six years old, sent a sincere note to Mount when the latter’s transfer to Manchester United was announced.
“Ma brother man,” the 23-year-old posted on Instagram. Where do I begin? I’ve known you since you were six years old. We developed together and followed comparable pathways to make the first team.
“Something that was almost inconceivable. I’m glad to announce that I accomplished it with you. You’ve done yourself and your family proud; I’ve known you since you were a young boy and watched you develop into the man and player you are now.
“My brother from day one, so many memories shared together,” Mount retorted. I’m so proud of you. Regards, RJ.
After around 18 years of being colleagues, the two are now competitors as Mount joins Old Trafford.