Chelsea and Josh Acheampong finally end contract stand-off as England wonderkid signs five-year deal
CHELSEA’S contract stand-off with Josh Acheampong has ended after the England wonderkid signed a new five-year deal.
Enzo Maresca was desperate to tie the 18-year-old down on fresh terms following several dramatic months.
After a Carabao Cup cameo at the start of the season, Acheampong was frozen out by Chelsea after failing to agree an extension.
Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich were all reportedly keen on signing the versatile defender, whose deal was due to expire in 2026.
But a breakthrough in talks came last month, allowing Acheampong to return to Chelsea first-team training.
He then played all 90 minutes of the 3-1 Conference League win in Kazakhstan against Astana on Thursday.
And now, the Athletic reports he has now put pen to paper on a new five-year deal with a bumper pay rise.
It’s reckoned Acheampong was presented with a clear vision for his development to the starting XI, with the teen previously unsure of the route following Todd Boehly’s £1.2billion spending spree.
Another injury to captain Reece James has freed up a space for the England U20s star on the right.
While his ability to play centre-back could come in handy with Wesley Fofana also crocked.
Acheampong could now celebrate his new deal with a starting spot in Chelsea’s final Conference League group game against Shamrock Rovers at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.
The Blues have already qualified for the next stage and know that a draw is likely good enough to finish in top spot.
Acheampong burst onto the scene in May with his Premier League debut from the bench in a 2-0 win against Tottenham.
He played a big role in Chelsea’s U18s becoming Southern Champions last term too.
And the whiz will be hoping that more senior appearances will soon result in a call-up to England’s U21s.