Liverpool set sights on signing another dazzling Chelsea sensation – O’Rourke
Liverpool are one of several clubs interested in Chelsea’s young talent Josh Acheampong, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the 18-year-old is reluctant to sign a new deal at Chelsea and is drawing interest from the Premier League and across Europe.
It’s understood that the young right-back’s hesitation stems from a lack of a clear pathway to the first team, with Reece James and Malo Gusto firmly ahead of him in the pecking order.
Consequently, Chelsea have sidelined Acheampong from both first-team and youth-team football until a resolution is reached, with his current deal due to expire in June 2026.
Liverpool are keeping tabs on the situation but will face stiff competition from Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Newcastle for the youngster’s signature.
If a deal cannot be agreed upon, Chelsea will be forced to reluctantly sell the wonderkid rather than let him see out his contract and leave on a free.
Arne Slot’s side have a recent history of prising a young talent from Chelsea’s famed academy – highly regarded winger Rio Ngumoha, 16, made the switch in the summer because he couldn’t see a pathway into the first-team.
Chelsea working to keep Liverpool target Josh Acheampong
The English defender has been a mainstay throughout Chelsea’s various youth levels since breaking into the Under-18s in 2022, making 42 appearances across all competitions.
Acheampong made his first-team debut for his boyhood club last season, coming on for the last few minutes of their 2-0 win over Tottenham in May.
He managed to get 27 minutes in their 5-0 League Cup victory over Barrow earlier this season, finishing with an 86 per cent pass accuracy and five defensive actions, but has otherwise struggled for first-team chances.
Chelsea saw ten academy products leave either permanently or on loan over the summer transfer window as they struggled to overcome their PSR troubles.
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