Josh Acheampong has signed a deal to remain at Chelsea until the summer of 2029 following months of stalled talks that saw the club’s owners block him for featuring under Enzo Maresca
Josh Acheampong has signed a deal to remain at Chelsea until the summer of 2029 following months of stalled talks that saw the club’s owners block him for featuring under Enzo Maresca Josh Acheampong has signed a deal to remain at Chelsea until the summer of 2029 following months of stalled talks that saw the club’s owners block him for featuring under Enzo Maresca
Chelsea youngster Josh Acheampong has agreed a new deal with the club having been banished from the first-team squad earlier this season because of talks reaching an impasse.
The 18-year-old defender, who returned in last week’s Conference League win away to Astana, has put pen to paper on a deal that will run to the summer of 2029 after two months of speculation that linked him with a move away from West London.
Acheampong is back training with Enzo Maresca’s first-team squad every day and he could feature again at home to Shamrock Rovers in their final league phase game in the Conference League on Thursday night. A decision was taken by the club’s hierarchy in early autumn for Acheampong to be not considered for selection until a resolution was found.
Following the announcement, Maresca said: “I’m very, very happy. With Josh it’s been quite clear. I didn’t know him personally but after two or three days he really impressed me.
“Since pre-season I was trying to understand the situation with his contract. Finally the club has found an agreement and we’re all happy and convinced he can be a great player for this club.”
Maresca, whose pre-match press conference was dominated by questions over Mykhailo Mudryk’s failed doping test, also played down the chances of Acheampong heading out on loan in the January transfer window.
“My personal opinion is he has to stay close to us. As much as we can keep him here it’s much better,” the head coach added.
Regarding Mudryk, who faces a potential four-year ban, Maresca said the club trusts the Ukraine international who has strongly denied “ever knowingly” taking a banned substance.
(
Image:
Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Maresca added: “We trust Misha. When these things happen you need to support your player in all aspects. Misha is a Chelsea player but he’s for sure involved in the squad so it’s my duty to be in contact with him. For me, the players, team-mates, we’re all here.
“We’re all upset, sad. At the moment he can’t train but the club is there to support him in all aspects.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Learn more
Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £240 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Mirror – Sport
