Reece James could buy Russian oligarch's superyacht with new Chelsea wages

Chelsea defender Reece James has penned new contract at Stamford Bridge worth £65million across the next five years, giving him enough money to purchase one of the world's superyachts

Posted Tuesday, September 06, 2022 by Dailystar.co.uk

Chelsea star Reece James could buy himself a £65million superyacht, complete with an infinity pool and cinema, after signing a new six-year deal at Stamford Bridge.

James has been rewarded for his excellent form over the last couple of seasons with a new contract that will take him through until 2028 in west London. The 22-year-old England international has signed improved terms worth £250,000-per-week, meaning he will pocket a cool £13million-per-year.

The agreement is a five-year deal, with the option of an extra 12 months, guaranteeing the former Wigan Athletic loanee a whopping £65million in earnings. That's enough cash to allow James to buy a host of expensive toys, including a superyacht that was seized in Gibraltar after its Russian owner was sanctioned following Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.

The gorgeous Axioma yacht was seized in March after JP Morgan claimed its owner Dmitrievich Pumpyansky did not pay a £17million ($20m) loan. The humungous vessel would look right at home in a Premier League footballer's investment portfolio, with a swimming pool, spa, 3D cinema, jacuzzi and jet skis all included in the price.

It can also sleep 12 people in six cabins and has space for some 20 crew. At over 230ft long, the Axiomia is, in effect, a floating mansion. According to The Sun, the vessel has even hosted A-listers like Kendall Jenner.

James could afford to buy the Axioma superyacht with the money from his new Chelsea contract

Unfortunately for James, however, the superyacht went under the hammer late last month, meaning that although he can afford it, he won't be able to buy it for the foreseeable future.

Thankfully, the full-back seems pretty pleased with his new Chelsea contract in lieu of a £65million superyacht. After putting pen to paper, he told the club website: "‘I am over the moon with my new contract and I’m thankful for the fans, the new ownership and everyone involved in the club. I cannot wait to see what the future holds, and I am sure we will have the chance of winning many trophies.

"I grew up supporting this club and I’ve been here since I was a six-year-old. I put pen to paper on a new deal because this is the club I want to be at. I’d like to say a special thanks to the fans, I am here to stay and we have a bright future ahead of us."