Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media

Evan Lloyd

Sun 5 April 2026 9:35, UK

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Josh Acheampong could be set to seek an exit from Chelsea this summer, with Newcastle United among the interested clubs.

The 19-year-old has been in and around the team for some time now, making his Premier League debut at the age of 17.

The defender would go on to make four more last season and would feature regularly in the Conference League.

This season, Acheampong has taken on new responsibility at Stamford Bridge, often starting in the absence of more experienced defenders.

Newcastle transfer chiefs will be keeping a close eye on the youngster, however, after Liam Rosenior snubbed him for a start on Saturday.

Newcastle eye Josh Acheampong opportunity

Football Insider exclusively revealed last month that Chelsea have no interest in selling Acheampong, but if the player wants to leave, they will have little choice.

The defender has been highly impressive this season, enjoying a particularly promising run of form under Enzo Maresca at the start of the campaign.

But recently, the 19-year-old appears to have fallen out of favour with new manager Rosenior.

Acheampong had initially been a regular under the Englishman, featuring in four of his six opening Premier League games in charge.

But since then, the England youth international has failed to make an appearance in the league, even being left out of the squad completely in some cases.

The real blow came on Saturday, however. Acheampong would have expected to start against Port Vale in the FA Cup, especially after how well he played against Wrexham in the previous round.

But Rosenior opted instead for Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo at the centre of defence, handing the youngster just five minutes at the end of a 7-0 win.

While Acheampong will be aware that he is at the start of his career and has a place in the squad, such a decision is the type that leaves a player assessing their future.

Lewis Hall signing could be repeated

The situation that saw Lewis Hall leave Chelsea for Newcastle in 2023 was a similar one, with the defender initially joining on loan for a bigger role.

At the end of the loan, the left-back did not want to return, and eventually got his wish when Newcastle paid £28million for him.

That deal now looks a bigger and bigger bargain with each passing season, with Hall expected to start for England at this summer’s World Cup.

Newcastle could offer Acheampong a similar route, although it remains to be seen whether Chelsea will risk making another huge mistake.