Chelsea wonderkid Josh Acheampong signs new contract to end exit talk

Carlo Garganese

• 18 Dec 2024 11:55 GMT
• 3 min read

Chelsea starlet Josh Acheampong has signed a new five-year contract, according to David Ornstein, putting to an end doubts over his future at the club.

Acheampong’s previous contract was due to expire in 2026 and he had been expected to leave in 2025 after a prolonged contract saga.

He has now extended until 2029, ending the hopes of a plethora of Premier League and European clubs who were interested in signing the 18-year-old.

David Ornstein reports that Enzo Maresca played an important role in the renewal as he is “keen on working with young prospects and integrating them into his plans.”

The teenager is one of the most highly-rated players in Chelsea’s famed academy, but he had been frozen out by the Blues hierarchy this season due to the contract troubles.

Acheampong had been informed that he would not play for Chelsea at any level until he signed a new deal with the club.

Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool, Newcastle United and Real Madrid were all interested in signing the teenager and sent scouts to watch him in action for England’s U19 side over the past few months, as per The Independent.

Acheampong joined Chelsea as an eight-year-old and has worked his way up the ranks over the past decade. He made his debut against Tottenham last season under Mauricio Pochettino.

Acheampong is now training with Chelsea’s senior team and could start against Shamrock Rovers in the Conference League on Thursday.

The starlet has played for England from Under-16 to Under-20 level.