The future of Trevoh Chalobah is in doubt with a multitude of clubs interested in the Chelsea defender’s signature in the summer transfer window
Next season really could define Josh Acheampong’s future. That is not hyperbole – it is the reality for the 20-year-old defender.
Sources close to Chelsea have been insistent for the last couple of seasons – essentially since Acheampong decided to extend his Blues deal in December 2024 – that the Cobham graduate is viewed as an enormous part of the club’s plans moving forward. Yet his appearance total – standing at 44 since making his debut in the 2023/24 campaign – says otherwise.
Even with Chelsea’s defensive crisis last season, Acheampong barely got a sniff. Of course, this has led to frustration from the defender’s perspective. Especially when there are other clubs promising him the world to come and play for them.
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As reported on football.london at the start of this month, Chelsea have rebuffed several approaches from clubs in England and abroad for Acheampong. Blues insiders insist the England Under-21 international is considered untouchable and central to the club’s long-term plans. There are no doubts, so sources say, Acheampong will be part of Xabi Alonso’s squad in the incoming manager’s debut season at Stamford Bridge.
At the moment, Chelsea have a host of centre-back options – with some blocking Acheampong’s pathway in recent seasons. However, the Blues are set to cut a few defenders off in the summer transfer window, as well as bring one starting-level option into the club.
Trevoh Chalobah is being linked with a move away from Chelsea this summer. Chalobah, who is valued at £34.5million on Transfermarkt, has just over two years remaining on his Stamford Bridge contract – and has interest from the Premier League and overseas.
Due to his contractual status, the Blues could consider selling him in the coming months and while that would be a blow to lose an experienced head – someone who has showcased immense professionalism in some troubling times during his Chelsea tenure – it could pave the way for the future.
There is no doubt that Chalobah leaving would bump Acheampong up one when it comes to the central defensive pecking order. We of course are yet to see what that looks like under Alonso but if his predecessors and their way of thinking are anything to go by, then that should well be the case.
The futures of Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana are not certain either. None of the aforementioned three particularly impressed last term and have a big job on their hands – if they are allowed it – in winning over the new boss.
Could this finally be Acheampong’s season? Chelsea supporters will hope so, but are all too aware of the recent past.
As for Acheampong, if we are sat here in 12 months’ time and his situation is the same, then he should consider his options and look for a move elsewhere. The Cobham graduate is far too talented to be a bit-part player and if the lack of regular first-team minutes goes on, then it will undoubtedly have a detrimental impact on his development at a critical age.
