Chelsea have gone on a transfer buying spree following Todd Boehly's takeover, bringing a host of new faces to Stamford Bridge.
James could be sold
The Blues have spent more than £900 million on transfers in less than 18 months into the new owner's tenure. However, Boehly's arrival will inevitably lead to a wave of departures, with some Chelsea fans fearing that the club will want to sell all of their honorary players in order to keep the finances balanced.
Mason Mount, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ethan Ampadu left Stamford Bridge last summer.
Tottenham are currently looking to buy Conor Gallagher as the England midfielder is seen as a dispensable by the finance staff.
There are growing fears that the brightest captain of all the Academy talents, Reece James, could be one of the next players to be sold, a rumour that is sure to alarm Manchester City as they consider buying a right-back in May as a long-term replacement for 34-year-old captain Kyle Walker.
With FFP efforts, such as Everton and Nottingham Forest, which have already been deducted points from the Premier League this season, and UEFA's new financial control system that directly links the amount of transfer fees and player wages paid by clubs to the club's income, Chelsea's business model must now rely on selling players to boost revenue.
Because the transfer fee income from the sale of players can be included in the annual calculation, while the cost of buying a player can be "amortized" over a period of no more than five years, clubs need to sell players to create buying power.
For Academy players--- Cobham Academy's products, the sales value will not be reduced by their initial contract price.
Many Blues fans are uneasy about Conor Gallagher's possible departure – all the more so if his final destination is their most hated rivals, Tottenham Hotspur.
James stats this season
If James is seen as superfluous, an outright rebellion could occur. Despite James' ability, a string of injuries since Boehly took over has seen James start just 19 of his 59 games at the club, less than a third.
Even if the owners are aware of the importance of the England right-back to Blues fans, there are those who believe he has not become a key member of the current squad.
And, for veteran Chelsea fans, there is a history of new owners not liking the 'old' players.
In the 2002/03 season, Italian goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini was a big factor in Chelsea's top-four finish, setting the stage for Roman Abramovich's shock and game-changing takeover.
But the following season, still under Claudio Ranieri, Cudicini made a series of shocking mistakes and lost confidence and form.
Roman Abramovich and his lieutenants believe Cudicini is not their ideal goalkeeper – although no one will question their decision to sign Cech.
It did, though, keep Cudicini as a substitute.
Many Blues fans believe that the 24-year-old has been with the club since he was six years old and that he is an important part of Chelsea.
However, there is no guarantee that the new bosses will maintain the same views.
James glass man attributes, the appearance rate is not high
If City realise that the time of Walker's illustrious career is running out and make a big offer, the Blues management may not be able to resist the temptation to cash in.
James, if he can overcome injury problems, also looks like the perfect fit for the puzzle for Manchester City. His pace, stamina, dangerous ball passing and penchant for pressing forward and delivering precise crosses make him the embodiment of Manchester City's blueprint for players.
Of course, the idea would have left many Chelsea fans heartbroken and angry. But business is business, and money can make ghosts grind. The club's financial accounts must be balanced, even for Chelsea, who are not bad for money.