The emergence of Josh Acheampong into Chelsea’s first team has been one of the real plus points of the season.
Josh Acheampong, 19, is the latest talented youngster to go from the Chelsea academy to the first-team squad. He made the permanent step up midway through the 2024/25 season alongside Tyrique George, too.
Earlier in the campaign, Chelsea froze Josh Acheampong out while negotiations over his future took place. Thankfully, the teenage defender committed himself to the club by signing a long-term contract.
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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Acheampong has been a regular in Enzo Maresca’s matchday squad since he and George were welcomed into Chelsea’s senior dressing room in December.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea scout who discovered Josh Acheampong insists there’s so much more to come
Terry Bobie-Agyekum, who works for Chelsea as an academy scout, has shared the story of how he first identified Acheampong for the Blues.
In addition, he has predicted that the “unique” 19-year-old defender will carve out a successful career for himself at Stamford Bridge.
Bobie-Agyekum told the Rising Ballers YouTube channel: “I scouted Josh Acheampong. I was tasked with a job to go and look for attackers with the Under-10s. The attacker I was looking at was actually marked by Josh that day. Josh stole the show. The rest is history.
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“Josh’s attitude is first class. His work rate is phenomenal. As you can see from the games you’ve seen him play, his application in games is that of one that wants to be the best. I think that’s what separates him from the rest of the boys.
“I think he’ll be here for many years to come. I think he’s a unique player, a unique character. His ceiling is still high, so there is still way more room for improvement. I think we’ve only just seen a small percentage of what Josh can offer.”
Even though Acheampong is a right-back by trade, he has covered everywhere across the defence for Maresca in recent months. It’s very noticeable that the English youngster looks really comfortable wherever he plays as well.
Benoit Badiashile’s prediction on Josh Acheampong is that he can grow into a “top, top player” as he matures.
We’re desperate to see even more of him on the pitch because he doesn’t look overawed at first-team level.
Competition Appearances Starts
Conference League 7 7
Premier League 4 2
Carabao Cup 1 0
Josh Acheampong’s first-team minutes for Chelsea in the 2024/25 season
Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images
Enzo Maresca needs to trust Josh Acheampong more
It must have been a real boost when head coach Enzo Maresca said he “fell in love” with Josh Acheampong after his Conference League display against Legia Warsaw in April.
We feel like the teenager could have been used more often in 2025, though.
Looking ahead to next season, Acheampong should be aiming for 25-plus appearances after his breakout year this term. He’s competing alongside teammates Reece James and Malo Gusto for minutes, but the manager does like to rotate his players across different roles.
Josh Acheampong shared his goal to become a Chelsea legend, so now he just needs the platform to showcase his ability.