Chelsea youngster Reece James has become the latest Premier League star to be signed by Jay-Z’s sports management company Roc Nations Sports as the 19-year-old signed on Tuesday.
The American management company have been quick to snap up the talented defender as well as his sister Lauren, a forward for Manchester United, and their father Nigel, who runs his own elite coaching academy.
Roc Nation will now manage the family’s activities both on and off the pitch, including commercial deals, media relations and ‘brand strategy’.
The James clan joins the Roc Nation Sports International football family that consists of Jerome Boateng, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin de Bruyne, Eric Bailly and Axel Witsel.
Reece is one of a number of Chelsea youngsters who have reaped the rewards of Frank Lampard’s faith in academy talent.
The full back has forced his way into Lampard’s first team plans and scored in the Premier League’s side 4-4 thriller against Ajax in the Champions League recently.
The 19-year-old said: ‘Joining the Roc Nation family alongside my own family is a very special feeling. Family means everything to me, and I could tell from day one just how highly Roc Nation values it.
‘I look forward to a great partnership with Roc Nation who will manage my off-the-pitch activities as only they can.’
Lauren has been in fine form for Manchester United since joining from Arsenal last season, scoring 19 goals in 33 appearances for the Red Devils.
The 18-year-old said: ‘I’m thrilled to be joining the Roc Nation family and the other impressive footballers they have on their roster.
‘The Roc Nation team has been incredibly welcoming, and it’s special to be joining the family alongside my own. I am looking forward to our future successes on and off the pitch alongside them.’
Reece and Lauren’s father Nigel runs his own academy called Nigel James Elite Coaching Academy. He has worked in professional football for 14 years as a talent ID scout for Fulham, Reading and Tottenham.
‘Our entire family is thrilled to join the Roc Nation team,’ he said. ‘Football has played an important role in our lives and I’m excited to see Lauren and Reece’s careers continue to flourish with the support of Roc Nation and this special partnership.’
