Josh Acheampong has been told he won’t play for Chelsea’s first team or development squad until he signs a new deal according to The Athletic.
The youngster is highly rated by Chelsea and has already appeared for the first team under Enzo Maresca, playing 27 minutes against Barrow in the Carabao Cup.
The 18-year-old is believed to be attracting suitors from abroad and a recent report linked him with a shock move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Acheampong frozen out by Chelsea until he signs new deal
The teenager faces a tough task getting regular minutes at right back because the Blues have two top quality players in Reece James and Malo Gusto, but he recently said he would be ready for any future first team opportunities.
Acheampong was expected to get opportunities in the cup competitions this season but since his appearance against Barrow he hasn’t made a match day squad.
The Athletic have now reported the youngster has been frozen out and won’t play for Chelsea’s first team or development side until he signs a new deal.
Acheampong’s contract runs until 2026 and the report adds that whilst talks have opened to try and secure his long term future at the club nothing has been finalised.
The right back also hasn’t featured much for the U21s recently even though he started four of their first five games this season and he was absent from their game in the Premier League Cup against Bournemouth on Monday night.
Acheampong made his Premier League debut for the Blues against Tottenham in the 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge last season and was also part of the squad for the pre-season tour of America.
It appears the youngster is the latest academy star that Chelsea have taken a strong stance against and have made it very clear they don’t want players going into the final year of their contract as demonstrated with the Conor Gallagher and Mason Mount situations.
It’s understandable for Acheampong to question his pathway at Chelsea given the players ahead of him, but lets hope this isn’t heading for another acrimonious ending, with this latest situation unlikely to go down well with supporters.
