Chelsea have signed highly-rated young defender Josh Acheampong to a new long-term contract.
Acheampong only made his first senior start for the club in last week's game in the Conference League with Astana in the capital of Kazakhstan, but has long been considered a promising talent.
The 18-year-old has already broken into the Under-21 team and extended his deal until June 2026 earlier in the year. Negotiations for a further extension stalled this season, leading to a cold standoff between player and club. Acheampong was banned from all club activities at any level until he committed his future to Chelsea.
This ruptured vacuum opened a window to Real Madrid to register an interest in the prodigious right-back.
Tensions have cooled in recent months and sinceAthletics first revealed that a deal had been reached, Chelsea officially confirmed an extension was signed.
No salary was mentioned, but the initial report describes the deal as a “statement of intent” for the recruiting department. Besides Madrid, some Premier League Clubs were also interested in the 18-year-old.
Chelsea captain Reece James is a significant obstacle to Acheampong's path to the first team. Even during the captain's many layoffs, Malo Gusto offers a high-end alternative for the academy graduate.
While Acheampong's involvement in the Premier League may remain limited for the foreseeable future, he will now be free to call up the various cup competitions Chelsea are involved in. BEEN draw against fourth-tier Morecambe in the third round of the FA Cup.