Alex Roberts

Thu 19 December 2024 14:04, UK

Chelsea winger Noni Madueke has congratulated wonderkid Josh Acheampong on signing a new long-term deal with the club.

The 18-year-old announced on social media that he had committed his future to his boyhood club, saying he is “excited for this new chapter” in a message to the fans.

Acheampong had previously been frozen out at the club, banned from playing for either the senior team or their youth sides until his contract situation was sorted.

The right-back has since made his return, earning his first senior start in Chelsea’s comfortable 3-1 Europa Conference League win over FC Astana.

Reece James continues to struggle with injuries, and with a 94% pass accuracy rate, nine recoveries, and six ground duels won in the game against Astana, it’s easy to see why Enzo Maresca’s side were so keen to tie the youngster down to a new deal.

Acheampong has made six appearances across all competitions in both youth at senior football for Chelsea this season, starting four, and providing one assist in 390 minutes of action.

Noni Madueke happy for Josh Acheampong after signing new Chelsea deal

Madueke, 22, has established himself as a key player under Maresca, starting 14 of his 18 appearances across all competitions, scoring six goals, and providing three assists in 1160 minutes on the field.

The winger finds himself in an unknown position as one of Chelsea’s more senior players, given the squad’s average age of 23.9 years, the youngest in the Premier League.

Delighted for his young teammate, Madueke took to Instagram to congratulate Acheampong on his new deal, simply saying: “Da boyyy.”

Maresca’s side face Shamrock Rovers in their sixth Europa Conference League game of the season on Thursday (December 19) as they aim to secure a position in the next round.

Attention will then return to the Premier League as Chelsea travel to Merseyside to take on Sean Dyche’s struggling Everton side on Sunday (December 21).

In other news, Cole Palmer aims Enzo Maresca jibe at Chelsea teammate Romeo Lavia.

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