Liverpool could have another name to keep an eye on before the transfer window closes.
Reports from Simon Johnson suggest that clubs are monitoring the situation of Chelsea youngster Josh Acheampong, with interest going beyond simply taking the defender on loan.
And that immediately raises an interesting question for Liverpool supporters:
Could the Reds be one of the clubs considering a move?
Liverpool have looked at Acheampong before
This isn’t the first time Liverpool have been linked with Acheampong.
The young defender has previously attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Liverpool among those reported to be monitoring his development.
Liverpool’s interest would also make sense from a footballing perspective.
Acheampong is capable of playing across the defence, including at right-back and centre-back, giving a manager valuable versatility.
And that is something Andoni Iraola could certainly appreciate.
Why would Liverpool want him?
Liverpool have already made changes to their defence this summer.
Jeremie Frimpong has arrived, while Jérémy Jacquet has also been brought in.
But the Reds still need to think about the future.
Acheampong is only 20 and has already gained Premier League experience with Chelsea.
He’s also an England youth international and has continued to develop since breaking into Chelsea’s first team.
That combination of age, versatility and Premier League experience makes him an attractive proposition.
But Chelsea won’t want to lose him
This is where any potential Liverpool move becomes complicated.
Chelsea clearly rate Acheampong highly.
The club announced in December 2024 that he had signed a new contract keeping him at Stamford Bridge until 2029.
There have also been reports that Chelsea have previously regarded him as effectively untouchable.
So if Liverpool really wanted to sign him permanently, Chelsea would have little reason to make it easy.
It would almost certainly take a significant offer.
Could Liverpool make a surprise move?
That’s the fascinating part.
The latest report specifically says that clubs monitoring Acheampong aren’t simply considering loan offers.
That suggests there could be genuine interest in a permanent transfer.
And Liverpool have shown that they are prepared to make significant investments in young players if they believe they can become important first-team players.
Acheampong could fit that profile.
He could be an Iraola player
One thing that stands out about Acheampong is his versatility.
Iraola wants his defenders to be comfortable contributing to different phases of the game, and having a player capable of operating in multiple positions would give him another tactical option.
Imagine having a defender who can cover at right-back but also step into the centre when required.
That’s particularly valuable over a long season.
Could Liverpool actually be interested?
At this stage, we shouldn’t get carried away.
The report says clubs are monitoring Acheampong’s situation, but that doesn’t mean Liverpool have made an offer.
There is also nothing to suggest that Chelsea are actively looking to sell one of their promising young defenders.
But Liverpool’s previous interest means this is certainly a name worth watching.
One to watch?
I wouldn’t call this a Liverpool transfer yet.
But I wouldn’t dismiss it either.
Liverpool need to continue building a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts, and a young, versatile Premier League defender could be an attractive addition.
Josh Acheampong is reportedly attracting interest.
Liverpool have been linked with him before.
And if the opportunity suddenly arises for the Reds to make a permanent move…
Could we see Acheampong at Anfield?
It’s one to keep an eye on.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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