Chelsea’s pursuit of Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen is likely to end in disappointment.
In fact, it is already being claimed that Chelsea are out of the running to sign Huijsen from their Premier League rivals this summer.
It is thought that Huijsen wants a move to Spain, which is a blow for Chelsea. The Blues do seem to have alternatives to the 19-year-old, though, while they already have some young and talented defenders in their squad.
The above includes the likes of Josh Acheampong, who can play at centre-back, and Levi Colwill.
Photo by Alex Livesey - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Photo by Alex Livesey – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Josh Acheampong can be Chelsea’s version of Dean Huijsen
With the same kind of opportunities that Huijsen has been afforded at Bournemouth, is there any reason why Acheampong cannot make the same impact as the Spain international?
At 18, Acheampong is also a young and talented defender who has had some opportunities in the Chelsea first team this season.
In total, Acheampong has made eight appearances, including four in the Premier League.
Josh Acheampong’s 2024/25 stats Appearances Starts Minutes
Premier League 4 2 169
Conference League 3 3 225
Carabao Cup 1 0 27
Total 8 5 421
When Tosin Adarabioyo spoke about Acheampong in December, he said: “He’s an amazing player and I’m very excited to see he’s here to stay.
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“Josh has absolutely everything to be a top, top defender. He’s quick, he’s strong, he’s amazing on the ball, and he has a lot of confidence which I love to see in a young defender.”
The England U19 international is a right-back by trade, but Enzo Maresca has used him in central defence at times in the current campaign.
And standing at 6’5″, Acheampong is already an absolute unit. He is a perfect fit for a physical division like the Premier League.
Maresca just needs to give him more opportunities, but whether the Chelsea head coach does that remains to be seen.
But it could end up saving the Blues a lot of money and show they can produce their very own Huijsen.
Photo by Andrew Kearns - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images
Chelsea still likely to sign new central defender
Whatever Maresca plans to do with Acheampong, Chelsea will still probably end up with a new centre-half this summer.
While Huijsen may now be off the table, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is still an option for Chelsea.
It is thought that Chelsea want to do their business in June, so that is when a new centre-half could arrive at Stamford Bridge. But worst-case scenario, there is no reason why Acheampong cannot do a job for the team next season if he is needed in central defence.