Chelsea wonderkid FROZEN OUT amid Real Madrid & Liverpool interest
Chelsea have reportedly informed highly-rated academy star Josh Acheampong that he won’t play for the club again until he signs a new contract.
Acheampong’s existing deal runs until 2026 and although negotiations over an extension have already started, an agreement has not yet been reached.
The 18-year-old is wanted by the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United, and Chelsea are eager to tie him down to a long-term contract in order to ward off suitors from across Europe.
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The Blues don’t want to sell Acheampong, and they remain optimistic that he will sign a new deal, however they have decided to freeze him out until a resolution is reached.
That is according to The Athletic, who report that the teenager will not feature for Chelsea’s first-team or U21 side until he pens fresh terms with the club.
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Acheampong made his senior debut for the Blues against Tottenham Hotspur last season, but despite the injury issues suffered by Reece James and Malo Gusto, he has only made one appearance so far this campaign.
The 18-year-old is yet to feature in the Premier League under new boss Enzo Maresca, while he hasn’t played for Chelsea at any level since mid-September.
Through the ranks since Under-8 💙
A debut for Josh Acheampong 👏 pic.twitter.com/0QCKldC7X2
— Chelsea FC USA (@ChelseaFCinUSA) May 2, 2024
The Cobham academy product isn’t currently injured, but he hasn’t played for Chelsea’s U21 side in any of their last six matches.
As per The Athletic, Acheampong’s current omission is due to contract extension talks stalling and he will not return to action until he signs a new deal with the club.
The 18-year-old is one of Chelsea’s most promising academy talents, however the Blues have taken a firm stance in an attempt to convince Acheampong to remain at the club for the foreseeable future.
However, the teenager is reportedly eager to ensure he is handed a first-team pathway. Chelsea have spent close to €1 billion on players aged 23 or younger since 2022, and chances for academy prospects have been limited under Maresca.
