Chelsea reportedly holds teenage player hostage over contract situation

Chelsea's teenage defender Josh Acheampong has reportedly been frozen out of the club’s first team or development squad until he signs a new contract.

The news was confirmed exclusively on the Athletic's website on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Josh Acheampong was reportedly regarded as the third-choice right-back to captain Reece James and Malo Gusto, but this has not gone well with the defender.

Josh Acheampong was not even named on the bench for Chelsea’s games at Bournemouth and West Ham last month despite James and Gusto being unavailable for selection through injury. He made his professional debut under former boss Mauricio Pochettino against Tottenham in February and was taken on the club’s pre-season tour of the USA ahead of the more experienced Trevoh Chalobah in the summer.

The 18-year-old made his debut last season under Mauricio Pochettino last season but has made just one appearance under Enzo Maresca so far, playing 27 minutes as a substitute against Barrow in the Carabao Cup on September 24, 2024

He has not played for the Under-21s either despite starting four of their first five games this season. His last match for them was on September 15, and his name was not on the teamsheet for their Premier League Cup match away at Bournemouth.

The England international has been on the radar of some of the top clubs in Europe, but the Blues are not willing to sell the defender who could double up as a right back and centre defender.

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