Committed: Josh Acheampong
Chelsea have finally tied young star Josh Acheampong down to a new long-term contract.
The 18-year-old has been in discussions over improved terms for some time amid interest from rival clubs, and has now agreed a new contract which runs until the summer of 2029.
Much is expected from Acheampong, who made his first-team debut last season under Mauricio Pochettino and was part of Enzo Maresca's pre-season tour squad which flew to the United States.
The full-back featured against Barrow in the Carabao Cup in September, but was then frozen out amid a contract stand-off. The first signs of a thawing of tensions came last week with his first Chelsea start, against Astana in the Conference League.
Chelsea have now convinced the teenager that there is a clear path to first-team football at the club, and he is again training with the first-team squad on a daily basis.
Acheampong could be handed a second start against Shamrock Rovers on Thursday.