Josh Acheampong has been training with Chelsea's first-team group ahead of a trip to Heidenheim after being frozen out for a period.
The teenager is incredibly highly-rated by the Blues but was yet to sign a new deal in west London and, as a result, the 18-year-old was shunned. Acheampong was told he wouldn't play for the club again until he put pen to paper on a new contract.
His deal was due to expire in 2026 but the youngster has now been seen with the first team in what is perhaps the biggest hint yet that he's chosen to remain with the Blues. No official announcement has been made, but Chelsea had been firm in their stance that he would be overlooked whilst talks dragged on, especially with the January transfer window closing in.
Acheampong was included on the Blues pre-season tour after rising through the ranks at Stamford Bridge but had not been included in the first-team squad for a number of weeks. The defender was not even being considered for selection by the development team.
Maresca previously admitted he was regretful that Acheampong was missing out on games, but Chelsea chose to take a stand regarding their young talent as top clubs circled.
“To be honest, I feel a bit of shame for Josh because I think this kind of games can be an opportunity for him. I had a chat with him, personally, about three weeks ago; about his situation and the chat we had was a very good chat, a positive chat but since that moment I haven’t spoken to him again.
”As I said, it’s a shame. I think Josh potentially can become a top player. He is still 18, so still very young, so many things can change for him, but he can potentially be (a) very important thing for Chelsea. It’s so important for the club that our intention is not to lose him. The first thing we need to do is to find a solution for his future."
Acheampong has featured just once under Maresca this season, playing 27 minutes in their 5-0 win over League Two outfit Barrow in the Carabao Cup. Chelsea, after years of neglecting their young talent, have now shown that they will promote from within.
Certain areas of their squad are congested following a period of heavy recruitment, which has seen the size of their team grow considerably. Reece James though is an example of an academy graduate becoming a regular whilst the likes of Mason Mount also did so in the past.
Bawdioty
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fupceiluyz
1
Yeah, yeah, I am in full support of my most famous mighty Chelsea's policy.No player should be allowed to run down his contract and move on a free transfer.It is either you sign a new contract so that you can be sold for a good profit or warm the bench until no one wants you even on a free transfer.I still remember Rudiger's case with a lot of pain.🤑🤑🤑🥳🥳🥳
Gbengababs
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that's best pattern they can use dude,... what will Chelsea gain when a player refuse to sign extension and Chelsea continue using him, then later lose him on free transfer,.. but when they freeze him out, no top club wi come for him
Is selling him not better? Look at how they are treating Chilwell It's not fair honestly
Gbengababs
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it happens in every other club, Liverpool and Salah situation is a good example
I feel they should put him in the market
dacblnorsu
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I don't like thie Chelsea pattern of dealing with players at all It looks to me like they are imprisoning players
it happens in every other club, Liverpool and Salah situation is a good example
Becdknosyz
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thank God Chelsea spotted this one early. sign or remain on the training team,ingrate
Becdknosyz
2
who asked you to like our pattern. I'm glad he still has contract with us till 2026, enough of this guys taking advantage of the club, they play without much ambition,once sold they give their all. if he doesn't sign,he should be benched, look at mout, because he was praised,it got to him and he started dreaming about red devils, now look at his life.
Echee27
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I don't like thie Chelsea pattern of dealing with players at all It looks to me like they are imprisoning players
that's best pattern they can use dude,... what will Chelsea gain when a player refuse to sign extension and Chelsea continue using him, then later lose him on free transfer,.. but when they freeze him out, no top club wi come for him
Sutadkmuyz
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He will get time play. Gusto will not play 90 minutes for 2 to 3 games. He will be a backup. But,he needs to be more maturity like Gusto.
Bozbcpsyz
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they want to sign him not because they want to keep him to come and sale him
Sutadkmuyz
2
he should learn from Mount. Acheopong deserves to be in the first team,covering the right back. Disasi always panicking whenever is under pressure.
Maxidon1
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Will he get playing time that's the issue not to sign a new contract
oludotunkellington
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sign or be sold
Pabcdlstz
4
Chelsea trained him since he was six. Be proud of the club and sign a new contract. Good to hear there is a breakthrough.
Jumachelsea
4
he is the replacement for injury prone race James well done young man welcome back we need you
Gbengababs
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I don't like thie Chelsea pattern of dealing with players at all It looks to me like they are imprisoning players