Chelsea academy star Josh Acheampong signs new long-term deal at Stamford Bridge

Rising Chelsea academy star Josh Acheampong has signed a new long-term deal that will keep him at the club until 2029 after previously being frozen out due to a contract impasse.

The 18-year-old who grew up in Chelsea's youth system is widely regarded as one of the club's most exciting youngsters and has been rewarded with a new five-year contract.

After initially joining the club as a player in the Under-8 team, Acheampong has progressed through the various age levels before making his first-team debut against Tottenham last season.

The new deal puts an end to what threatened to turn into a toxic situation after the highly rated right-back was told he would not feature in senior or U21 matches until he had committed his future to the club.

It is understood the Premier League side initially thought they had agreed a new long-term deal, and Chelsea were subsequently stunned when Acheampong subsequently failed to stick to that improved contract.

But he has now put pen to paper to secure his future at the club, with the previous situation resolved as Acheampong looks to become a first-team regular.

The youngster has also been linked with European giants such as Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, as well as Liverpool, who frustrated Chelsea when they secured their Cobham signing Rio Ngumoha earlier this season.

Meanwhile, supporters have high expectations for Acheampong, with the club believing he has a clear path to becoming a starter in Enzo Maresca's side, as evidenced by Reece James and Levi Colwill, who have both come through the youth ranks.

He made his full senior debut as Chelsea beat Astana 3-1 in the Europa Conference League last week, joining several other academy players who made the trip to Kazakhstan.

Acheampong could make his second successive start in the league on Thursday evening when Chelsea host Shamrock Rovers at Stamford Bridge.

The blossoming talent has made just three first-team appearances for Chelsea so far, but was recently named in the Premier League squad for the first time this season in the weekend win over Brentford.

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