As reported earlier this month, Real Madrid’s search for a new right-back has led them to Chelsea youngster Josh Acheampong.
The 18-year-old made his senior debut for the Premier League club last season under Mauricio Pochettino but has found minutes hard to come by under new boss Enzo Maresca, despite the team struggling with a lack of options at right-back due to injuries.
Amidst this, Real Madrid, and a number of other clubs such as Liverpool, Tottenham, Manchester United, Newcastle, and PSG are all said to have taken note of his situation and expressed an interest in signing the English youngster.
Chelsea freeze Acheampong out of the squad
Even as interest in Acheampong’s services grows, Chelsea have frozen the young full-back out of their first team and Under-21 squad, reports The Athletic.
Indeed, as per the report, the 18-year-old defensive prodigy has been told by Chelsea that he will not play for the club’s first team or the development squad until he signs a new contract.
Acheampong’s current contract with the Blues runs until the summer of 2026, and the club opened talks over a renewal so as to secure his long-term future. But an agreement has not been finalised yet.
As such, Chelsea have decided to exile him from both the first team and the developmental squads until he signs a new contract.
The 18-year-old has made only one senior appearance under Maresca this season – featuring for 27 minutes against Barrow in the EFL Cup in September. He has not made the matchday squad even once since then.
Acheampong has not played for the Chelsea Under-21s for more than a month now, despite starting four of their first five games this season.
Chelsea made it clear to Acheampong that his current absence from the team will continue until he commits to a new contract.
Despite reports of several prominent clubs showing interest in the versatile defender for a potential January move, Chelsea have no intention of sanctioning a sale and remain hopeful of a positive resolution.
Whether Real Madrid decide to capitalise on the situation and launch a January move for the teenager remains to be seen.