Ranking Chelsea's Reece James replacement options

Cameron Smith

• 20 Sept 2024 12:00 BST
• 4 min read

Chelsea are reportedly set to target a new right-back in 2025 amid growing concerns over Reece James’ injury record.

The Blues’ club captain has missed 98 games through injury since the start of the 2020-21 season and with Malo Gusto also sidelined, Axel Disasi was forced to start at right-back against Bournemouth last weekend.

According to TBR Football, Chelsea have now drawn up a five-man shortlist of potential options as they search for a James replacement.

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As per the report, Jules Kounde, Jeremie Frimpong, Kiliann Sildillia, Michael Kayode and Geovany Quenda are all being monitored by the Blues, with a pursuit lined up for 2025.

Below, FootballTransfers ranks Chelsea’s five-man shortlist to replace club captain James.

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5. Geovany Quenda (Sporting)

Quenda is an extremely surprising right-back target for Chelsea - mainly because he currently plays as a winger.

The Portuguese teenager has already been called up to the senior national team and is considered to be an extremely hot prospect, but his first-team action for Sporting has come solely as a right winger.

As a result, he would be an odd choice to replace James at Stamford Bridge.

4. Kiliann Sildillia (Freiburg)

Sildillia is a fairly promising right-back talent, but he isn’t yet a nailed-on starter at Freiburg, which suggests he wouldn’t be able to make the jump up to regular football with Chelsea.

The Frenchman made 20 Bundesliga starts last season and contributed just one assist throughout the campaign.

Sildillia is a decent talent, however he isn’t a player Chelsea should be aspiring to sign.

3. Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen)

Frimpong is arguably the best player on this list, however the Netherlands international isn’t the best right-back option for Chelsea.

He is firmly a right wing-back and has shown very little capability of playing in a flat back four during his career so far.

His attacking tendencies work wonders in Xabi Alonso’s system, but Enzo Maresca has already cast Ben Chilwell aside due to his style of play and given Frimpong can’t move into midfield or centre-back in possession, he isn’t a player Chelsea should target.

2. Michael Kayode (Fiorentina)

Kayode is a fantastic talent and he has already been monitored by Arsenal, Aston Villa and Newcastle United over the past 12 months.

Interest from Chelsea therefore comes as little surprise and he would be a smart pick-up if Fiorentina are willing to sell for a reasonable price.

Kayode is a strong all-round full-back and while he won’t displace Malo Gusto, he would be an able back-up if James is moved on.

1. Jules Kounde (Barcelona)

Kounde is by far the best option from Chelsea’s five-man shortlist.

The 24-year-old has starred for France and Barcelona in a right-back role, while he is equally capable of playing as a centre-back.

As a result, his versatility would be extremely useful for Maresca and his arrival would see Marc Cucurella move into midfield, with Kounde tucking in to form a back three in possession.