Chelsea Defender Josh Acheampong Excluded Over Contract Talks

Chelsea's young defender Josh Acheampong has been sidelined from both the first team and U21 matches until he signs a new contract, as revealed by multiple sources. The 18-year-old, whose current deal runs until 2026, has only played 27 minutes this season in a Carabao Cup match and has not been included in any matchday squad since late September, raising concerns about the club's treatment of promising talents. Chelsea views Acheampong as a valuable asset, particularly as they opted against signing Pedro Lima, relying on Acheampong's potential. Despite showing promise during pre-season and making his debut last season, the competition from established players Reece James and Malo Gusto makes his path to regular play challenging. The situation has attracted interest from top clubs, including Real Madrid and Liverpool, as Chelsea hopes to resolve contract negotiations soon. Acheampong remains optimistic about seizing his opportunities within the club.