Chelsea have reportedly warned young defender Josh Acheampong that he will not play another minute for either the senior team or the academy unless he signs a new contract.
The highly-rated 18-year-old signed a two-year extension this summer and made his first appearance under new manager Enzo Maresca during the Carabao Cup win over Barrow but, to the confusion of many fans, has not been seen since in no level
Reports of interest from Real Madrid began to emerge earlier this month, while the likes of Liverpool, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have been named as suitors for Acheampong, who is a natural right-back but is equally comfortable in a central role.
Chelsea U21 v Everton U21 – Premier League 2 / Crystal Pix/MB Media/GettyImages
Clearly feeling the pressure of securing Acheampong’s long-term future, The Athletic He claims that the teenager’s absence is due to an ultimatum he was given regarding his contract.
Chelsea officials are claimed to have banned coaches from selecting Acheampong at any level until he signs a new deal, and the Blues are believed to still be optimistic about a deal being agreed.
El Telegraph goes so far as to claim that Chelsea were stunned by Acheampong’s decision to reject their offer of a new contract, despite club bosses believing an extension had already been agreed.
Just 24 hours before news of Acheampong’s ultimatum was made public, the teenager appeared in an emotional interview on Chelsea’s website, in which he highlighted his connection with the club and expressed his joy at being able to mix minutes in the team. senior with a role in the academy.
