Enzo Maresca has expressed his delight at young star Josh Acheampong committing his future to Chelsea - and ruled out the possibility of him being sent out on loan next month.
Acheampong, one of the most highly-rated youngsters to emerge from Cobham in recent seasons, ended months of speculation over his future on Wednesday by signing a new contract through to 2029.
The full-back had earlier been frozen out of the Chelsea squad during the contract stand-off, but made his first senior appearance in almost three months in last week’s Conference League victory over Astana.
“[I’m] very, very happy,” Maresca said. “With Josh, it has been quite clear. He was with us in pre-season. I didn’t know him personally but after two or three days, he really impressed me.
Staying put: Josh Acheampong has signed a new contract at Chelsea
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“Since pre-season, I was trying to understand the [contract] situation. Finally, the club found an agreement. We are all convinced and sure that Josh can be a great player for this club.”
Thursday night’s Conference League meeting with Shamrock Rovers marks the end of the group stage and having already qualified directly to the last 16, Chelsea know they will not be back in European action until March.
That could mean first-team opportunities being hard to come by for Acheampong, with Malo Gusto the current first-choice right-back and Reece James due to return from injury in the New Year.
However, Maresca believes the 18-year-old’s development would still be best served by staying at Stamford Bridge, rather than seeking a January loan move.
“My personal opinion is he has to stay close to us,” Maresca added. “As much as we can keep him here, it’s much better.”