Chelsea forward Lauren James has signed a new contract that will keep her at the club until 2030. The England international, who began her youth career with the Blues before joining Manchester United in 2018, returned to Chelsea in 2021 and has since become a cornerstone of the team.

James has scored 31 goals in 105 appearances for Chelsea, winning four consecutive Women's Super League titles and three FA Cups. The 24-year-old was part of the squad that achieved an unbeaten domestic treble last season and was named Chelsea's player of the season for 2023-24. Her existing contract was set to expire in 2027.

James joins her brother Reece James in committing his long-term future to Chelsea, with the men's team captain signing a six-year extension on the same day. The forward will look to add to her trophy collection in Sunday's Women's League Cup final against Manchester United. Chelsea Women's chief executive Aki Mandhar described James as "one of the most technically gifted players this country has produced."