Xabi Alonso_V3
Sky Sports reports Borussia Dortmund have considered a Chelsea defender for their right-back position, with the Bundesliga club favouring a loan because their budget remains limited. Josh Acheampong transfer news has gathered attention after the report revealed Chelsea prefer a permanent sale if an interested club enter formal talks. That difference leaves the two sides seeking separate solutions for the same player.
The report concerns the 20-year-old, who has become a regular senior option after breaking through at Chelsea. Dortmund’s interest comes with the window closing on September 1, 2026, while Coventry City have reportedly made a loan approach too. Chelsea’s stance could force both clubs to decide whether development or an immediate fee carries greater value now.
Dortmund would therefore need Chelsea to reconsider their preferred deal structure, while Chelsea must decide whether a permanent transfer creates greater financial value than accepting a temporary arrangement for the right-back position.
The defender signed until June 2029, and Chelsea viewed him as untouchable. That stance faces pressure under Xabi Alonso, with Reece James, Malo Gusto and Wesley Fofana ahead. The £52m arrival of Maxence Lacroix, plus Marco Palestra, crowds the defensive pecking order. Chelsea confirmed Alonso’s appointment in May, and his four-year contract began on July 1.
My view is clear: Chelsea should approve Dortmund’s season-long loan, provided the deal contains no buy option or obligation. Acheampong needs sustained senior football, not sporadic cup appearances, and his 2025/26 campaign showed enough progress to justify that next step. He made 30 appearances overall, including 17 Premier League games and one goal, plus five Champions League starts.
The England Under-21 international offers versatility across the backline, while his tall frame gives Dortmund another physical dimension. Just as importantly, the Bundesliga could test his composure, defensive timing and work inside a high-pressing system without Chelsea losing control of his long-term future.
Dortmund have developed Jude Bellingham, Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland into elite players through meaningful responsibility. Acheampong could benefit from similar trust, potentially reaching 35 to 40 competitive European appearances across a season rather than spending another year on the fringes.
Read: Chelsea’s valuation could stall Atletico Madrid’s interest in the 25-year-old striker
A dry loan would preserve Chelsea’s 2029 control, protect his market value and give Alonso evidence of his progress from Germany. For a player the club still want to develop into a starter, another season of bench appearances could slow his growth. Josh Acheampong transfer news therefore points to a loan that serves Chelsea better than a permanent exit right now.