Paul Mitchell has suffered a late transfer blow in 2024, as he aims to change Newcastle United’s fortunes in 2025.
It has been a tough year for Newcastle United when it comes to recruitment. The Magpies have not signed anyone who enhances their starting XI, and Newcastle know that has hurt Eddie Howe’s side.
The club have invested in their future, with Will Osula arriving from Sheffield United. Newcastle know Osula is raw, but believe he has a lot of potential. Elsewhere, Vakhtang Salia is joining Newcastle in 2025.
Paul Mitchell knows the Magpies need to be clever in the transfer market, which means signing players from untapped markets or taking advantage of players’ contract situations.
Josh Acheampong signs new Chelsea contract
Josh-Kofi Acheampong of Chelsea runs with the ball during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between FC Astana and Chelsea F...
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
That was the hope with Josh Acheampong, whose Chelsea deal was set to expire in 2026.
Acheampong was on Newcastle’s radar, and it looked like the 18-year-old right-back was going to leave Stamford Bridge. Chelsea refused to play Acheampong as contract talks stalled, hinting that his future would be elsewhere.
However, that situation has now changed. Enzo Maresca spoke about Acheampong’s contract situation last week, and now an official announcement has been made about the teenager.
Chelsea have confirmed that he has signed a new contract until 2029, with Acheampong also back in the first-team picture. He started their UEFA Conference League clash with Astana last week, while he was an unused substitute for the Premier League win over Chelsea on Sunday night.
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Josh Acheampong has signed a new contract until 2029.
Congratulations on your new deal, Josh! 🙌
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 18, 2024
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Newcastle need to address right-back situation
With Acheampong signing a new contract with Chelsea, Newcastle’s interest will come to an end.
That is a shame, as the youngster would have been a smart addition to Eddie Howe’s squad amid Kieran Trippier’s ongoing situation.
The 34-year-old tried to leave Newcastle in the summer, but his departure was blocked by Howe and Mitchell. Trippier was forced to stay put, but a 2025 departure certainly feels likely.
In terms of the starting XI, that is not a major issue. The Magpies have got Tino Livramento, who was brought in to be Trippier’s long-term replacement.
However, Livramento will need cover. Emil Krafth can provide that, but he is also needed at centre-back as cover for Fabian Schar. Elsewhere, 17-year-old Leo Shahar is still perhaps too young to make the step up to senior football despite having a huge amount of potential.
Signing Acheampong could have opened the door for Newcastle to let Trippier go, but his contract extension means that Paul Mitchell will need to find an alternative to solution to the Magpies’ ongoing right-back issue.
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