Josh Acheampong has been one of the stars of Chelsea’s Xabi Alonso era, but the Cobham graduate’s contract situation is becoming an elephant in the room.
Only Maxence Lacroix, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer have played more minutes under Alonso, after nine games in league and cup. Some Blues fans think Acheampong is the club’s most underrated player.
But Acheampong is only contracted to Chelsea until the summer of 2029. As the defender enters the final two years of his deal, his value may start to dwindle as it nears expiry. Plenty of clubs want Acheampong.
Josh Acheampong’s camp cautious over signing new Chelsea deal
The England U21 international has been linked with many Premier League clubs. It has emerged this week that Chelsea rejected an enquiry from Man United for Acheampong. Liverpool were linked in the summer.
Even Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid are said to be considering him. According to BBC Sport, there is a feeling of caution among Acheampong’s camp over a new deal as they assess his role in the squad.
Chelsea convinced they have a 20-year-old youngster who is perfect for Xabi Alonso
Chelsea convinced they have a 20-year-old youngster who is perfect for Xabi Alonso
Whether Acheampong agrees or not, his representatives believe it is worth waiting to see if he will be a starting option for Chelsea over a longer period. Early signs under Alonso suggest Acheampong will be.
Loved by Enzo Maresca, Acheampong has surpassed 50 appearances for Chelsea this season – now on 52 outings for the Blues after the win against Everton. In that time, he has scored two goals for the Blues.
Who has the least amount of time left on their Chelsea contract?
As things stand, there are five Chelsea players in Alonso’s senior squad that have entered the final two years of their deals. Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck arrived on two-year contracts at Chelsea.
Third and fourth-choice goalkeepers Teddy Sharman-Lowe and Gaga Slonina also see their deals end in 2028, as does wonderkid Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli. Acheampong is one of four players with deals until 2029.
Another new signing, Emi Martinez, is contracted until June 2029. Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill will also see their deals come to an end in three years. It will be interesting to see which are given a new contract.