Who is Josh Acheampong? The Chelsea wonderkid wanted by Real Madrid and PSG

Cameron Smith

Updated: 6 Dec 2024 13:06 GMT
4 min read

Josh Acheampong, Chelsea, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Chelsea have produced an insane number of top-level full-backs over the past decade and Josh Acheampong is the latest youngster off the production line.

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The teenager is widely regarded as one of England’s most exciting young defenders and his development is being watched by numerous elite clubs amid his uncertain future at Chelsea.

Like Tariq Lamptey and Tino Livramento, Acheampong is yet to be convinced by his first-team pathway at Stamford Bridge and he could push to leave the club in 2025.

But, who is Acheampong and why is he being monitored by virtually ever top club side in Europe?

What position does Josh Acheampong play?

Acheampong is a right-back, although he is able to play at centre-back too.

How good is Josh Acheampong?

Acheampong is one of the best products to emerge from Cobham in recent years and he has been tipped to become an England regular in the future.

Acheampong has trained with the Chelsea first-team since the beginning of 2024 and made his senior debut for the club against Tottenham Hotspur in May, three days before his 18th birthday.

The teenager was subsequently included in the Blues’ pre-season tour of the USA, ahead of fellow academy graduate Trevoh Chalobah, although his minutes under Enzo Maresca have been reduced due to a contract dispute with Chelsea.

In October 2024, amid Acheampong’s contract standoff with Chelsea, Maresca told reporters: “I really think that Josh, potentially, can be a top player. He’s still 18, very young, so many things can change for him but in terms of potential in future, he can be very important for Chelsea.”

The England youth international is naturally a right-back, but his experience as a centre-back, and his 6ft2in frame, means he is physically superior to most attackers at U21 level.

In addition, Acheampong’s one-vs-one defending is one of his best attributes, with the Chelsea man rarely ever beaten in a duel out wide due to his size, speed, agility and defensive IQ.

The teenager is immense in possession too and he is frequently seen bursting into the final-third with the ball at his feet, using his pace and technical proficiency to advance play.

What clubs are interested in Josh Acheampong?

Acheampong is being monitored by virtually every elite club in Europe.

His current situation at Chelsea means an exit is possible in 2025, with Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund all interested in signing him.