Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is ready to keep a promising young defender Josh Acheampong at the Blues. But the interest in the player is increasing from other top European and English football sides. Josh Acheampong, who has played for the Blues U-21 sides and has also played in the first team training sessions. He is being eyed as one of the bright emerging talents from the ranks of the Blues for the years to come. With the Blues currently always on the lookout for young players in the market. Josh Acheampong, can be the next star to break out to the top stage of the game. But the Blues along with Maresca believe that the player can surely be a lookout for the senior team squad. But he has more to develop and come out on top in the coming years.
Josh Acheampong’s rise at the Blues under Maresca:
Josh Acheampong has come up as a strong and as promising young defender under the Blues youth system or the Chelsea Youth Academy. He has shown good promising play with a strong physical strength that can be said that to be well beyond his current age. At the age of age of 19, he is the latest academy graduate of the Blues. In the Premier League last season of 2024-25, the player made 4 appearances for the side in the latter part of the season. Helping the Blues provide stability at the back. He is also in their FIFA Club World squad, which has recently reached the semi-finals of the tournament. He can play both as a centre-back and as right-back adding extra value for the player among the rival sides.
Interest from rival clubs in Maresca talent:
Several clubs in the Premier League and the Bundesliga have shown their interest in the young star player. With all the scouts eyeing his potential to make the cut for any team as a starter in senior football. Clubs like Brighton, Brentford, Newcastle, Tottenham, and German side Stuttgart with Borussia Dortmund are linked with the player, exploring the potential chances to sign the young defender. With the belief that he can make an instant impact in the first team he potentially moves to. Chelsea along with Blues boss Maresca is aware of the interest in the young star player. They already saw him as a valuable addition from their youth team. Previously with a contract till 2025, he has extended till 2029. When asked about these claims he dismissed the rumors stating he sees his future with the Blues in the future.
Maresca vision for the youth:
The Blues boss, Enzo Maresca has an eye for the young players and values a system of play built on these young players. These can be reflected in the current team for the Blues, with an average squad age of less than 24. He sees Josh as a key player to lead their defensive lines. When he was asked about his views on the young player he stated that he reflected that many teams are currently linked to the player Josh, and quite clearly like him. But the Blues also like him and want him to stay and develop for the future. Josh also likes the environment of the Blues filled with young star players leading the squad and feels that he can also excel for them in the future to come.
Author’s opinion:
Chelsea boss, Enzo Maresca intent to resist offers for Josh is a good move for their future. He is a player who with proper guidance can develop and rise through the ranks of the squad. With a heavy competition for a regular starter in the squad, he has to develop himself in the time to come ahead for himself.
