According to a report, Chelsea have managed to sign young defender Josh Acheampong to a new long-term contract.
Acheampong only made his first senior start for the club in Last week’s Conference League clash with Astana in the Kazakh capital, but has long been considered a promising talent.
The 18-year-old has already broken into the under-21 team and earlier this year extended his contract until June 2026. Negotiations over a further extension stalled this season, leading to an icy confrontation between the player and the club. Acheampong was banned from all club activities at any level until he committed his future to Chelsea.
This rebellious void opened a window to Real Madrid will register an interest in the prodigious right back.
Tensions have cooled in recent months and The Athletic have revealed that Acheampong has agreed to a new five-year contract.
There is no talk of salary, but the report describes the agreement as a “statement of intent” for the hiring department. Along with Madrid, several first division Clubs were also interested in the 18-year-old.
Chelsea captain Reece James is a major barrier to Acheampong’s path to the first team. Even during the captain’s numerous injury breaks, Malo Gusto offers a senior alternative to the academy graduate.
While Acheampong’s involvement in the Premier League may remain limited in the near future, he will now be eligible for a call-up to the various cup competitions in which Chelsea participate. The Blues still have a Conference League first-round tie against Shamrock Rovers left and have status tied against fourth division side Morecambe in the third round of the FA Cup.
