Acheampong returns: Chelsea contract rebel pardoned

Tom Weber

Updated: 27 Nov 2024 18:12 GMT
3 min read

Josh Acheampong, Enzo Maresca, Chelsea — © IMAGO

Chelsea prospect Josh Acheampong has been spotted back in training for the first time since being frozen out.

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The 18-year-old has been at the heart of a bizarre saga that threatened to even turn Enzo Maresca against Chelsea. Out of contract in the summer, the Blues made it clear to Acheampong in October that he would no longer be used unless he penned an extension.

Despite being one of the academy's highest-rated talents, the youngster had not been allowed to play or even train with any of Chelsea's teams in what was viewed as a brutal and controversial decision by the club.

Even coach Maresca admitted ahead of the Conference League clash with Panathinaikos that it was a 'shame' that he was not allowed to utilise a player he believes will go on to become a 'top defender.'

In recent weeks, there have been tentative reports that progress was being made in talks over a new deal and it seems that this is exactly what is happening.

Acheampong returns

The broken relationship between Acheampong and Chelsea is beginning to heal. As pointed out by The Athletic, Acheampong was spotted back in first-time training during an open session on Wednesday.

This is the biggest hint yet that the sought-after talent could remain at Stamford Bridge. Acheampong had not been seen around Maresca's squad since the club's decision to freeze him out.

Acheampong's situation has attracted the attention of potential suitors, most notably Real Madrid. However, it now seems that Chelsea are confident of striking a deal with the teenager.

The defender was handed his first-team debut by Mauricio Pochettino last season but has so far only played 27 minutes under Maresca, with his sole senior appearance of the season coming in the 5-0 Carabao Cup beatdown of Barrow.