La Liga champions Real Madrid are reportedly mulling over pulling the plug on the move for Chelsea defender Reece James.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Reece James is no longer a top target for Real Madrid. The reigning La Liga champions are considering ending their interest in the Chelsea defender due to his recent fitness issues.
Reece James has been one of the best full-backs in Europe since establishing a foothold at Chelsea. The English international had always impressed his coaches during his days at the Chelsea academy. And he has grabbed his opportunities with both hands since Frank Lampard promoted him in 2019.
The 23-year-old has two goals and two assists in 12 appearances thus far this season. But James has endured an injury-riddled 2022/23 campaign, picking another fitness issue this week against Bournemouth. This comes in the wake of the knee complaint that forced him to miss the 2022 FIFA World Cup. However, the player remains on the radars of several bigwigs, including Real Madrid.
Real Madrid will likely delve into the market for a right-back in the summer transfer window. That is because Dani Ceballos has blown hot and cold in the last 18 months. In addition, the veteran Spaniard is on the wrong side of 30. So it behoves Real Madrid to lay down a succession plan for Carvajal anyway.
Meanwhile, Lucas Vazquez has been inconsistent this season, while Alvaro Odriozola is out of favour with Carlo Ancelotti. James has thus emerged as a viable target for Real Madrid. But Los Blancos might soon pull the plug on a potential move for the Chelsea defender.
The report claims that James was once a top target for Real Madrid. But the Merengues are cooling their interest in the Chelsea defender due to his recent fitness issues. And the latest injury, which will keep him sidelined for a month, has forced Los Blancos’ hand. And Real Madrid will now look at alternatives for James.
Recent reports have linked Real Madrid with emerging Spanish defender Ivan Fresneda. In addition, several other right-backs are on the Spanish giants’ radar. So ending interest in Chelsea defender Reece James might not be a bad decision by Real Madrid.
