Chelsea have told suitors to back off Josh Acheampong is going absolutely nowhere this summer.
The 19 year old defensive prodigy has emerged as one of the most coveted young talents in the country, with a queue of clubs forming to try and prise him away from Stamford Bridge. Crystal Palace and Newcastle are both understood to be keen, while Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid have also been linked with the England youth international.
But according to Football Insider, the Blues have zero interest in cashing in.
Acheampong’s contract runs until June 2029, meaning Chelsea hold all the cards. And with the teenager now firmly established in Liam Rosenior’s first team plans, there’s no appetite to let him go not even for the kind of money that would make most clubs think twice.
The youngster has been at Chelsea his entire career, rising through the academy ranks before making his senior debut against Tottenham in May 2024. He hasn’t looked back since.
Thirty eight appearances in all competitions. Twenty four of those coming this season alone. For a 19 year old, that’s some going.
He’s versatile too comfortable in the heart of defence or at full back, which only adds to his value in a market where clubs are desperate for homegrown talent that can cover multiple positions.
For Liverpool, the interest makes perfect sense. Arne Slot’s side are already facing up to life without Mohamed Salah next season, and defensive reinforcements are very much on the agenda with the backline needing freshening up. Acheampong fits the profile of the kind of young, adaptable defender the Dutchman has shown a preference for.
Newcastle, meanwhile, are looking to add depth to their backline as they prepare for what they hope will be another tilt at the Champions League places. Eddie Howe has built his success on developing young English talent, and Acheampong would be right up his street.
But Chelsea aren’t budging.
Rosenior’s side might have taken a sore one last time out a 3-0 hiding at Everton that left the manager fuming but they’re still sat in sixth place in the Premier League table, just a point off the Champions League spots. That’s not a position from which you start selling your brightest young assets.
Speaking after the Goodison Park mauling, Rosenior didn’t hide his frustration.
“My job, it hurts,” he said. “Regardless of your position, it hurts to lose games of football. Yeah, the most disappointing evening so far in terms of the things we’ve spoken about, not gifting goals away and making sure we’re in the game, getting control of the game.
“It wasn’t there and it turned into a really difficult evening where the result and performance was nowhere near what we expected or wanted. In terms of moving forward we’re one point away from the Champions League position. We need to keep working in this way.”
Chelsea return to action after the international break against Port Vale in the FA Cup. Acheampong will almost certainly be involved.
And if Liverpool or Newcastle want him? They’ll have to wait. And probably wait some more.
