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.
![[Chelsea starlet Josh Acheampong has signed a new five-year deal]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/josh-kofi-acheampong-chelsea-challenged-942884941_52c9f3.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich were all reported to be 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.
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 also come in handy with Wesley Fofana crocked as well. 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.
