Lauren James signs new Chelsea contract through 2030

England forward Lauren James has signed a new contract with Chelsea that extends her stay at the club until 2030, the club announced Friday.

The 24-year-old's previous deal was set to expire in 2027. James joined Chelsea from Manchester United in 2021 and has since made 105 appearances for the Blues, scoring 31 goals across all competitions.

"I'm really happy and over the moon to have signed a new contract with Chelsea," James said. "It's been my club since I was young. I can't wait to make more memories, hopefully have more success and win more trophies with this amazing club."

James began her youth career at Chelsea, training at the academy from under-10 to under-14 level before moving to Arsenal Women's youth team, where she made her professional debut in 2017. She returned to Chelsea in 2021.

During her four full seasons at the club, James has won the Women's Super League title each year, along with three FA Cups and one League Cup. Last season, she was part of the squad that won an unbeaten domestic treble.

The forward has been sidelined for portions of the current season due to injury sustained during England's Euro 2025 campaign. She has made eight WSL appearances this season, scoring two goals and providing one assist. Across all competitions, she has played 14 games.

James signed her new deal on the same day her brother, Reece James, agreed a new six-year contract with Chelsea's men's team. Reece James serves as captain of the Blues' men's side.

Before the extension, James was among several Chelsea players with contracts expiring at the end of the season, including goalkeepers Hannah Hampton and Rebecca Spencer, defenders Lucy Bronze and Millie Bright, and other forwards.