Delaney: Real Madrid Plot January Move for Chelsea Wonderkid | OneFootball

Real Madrid Target Chelsea’s Josh Acheampong Amid Right-Back Dilemma

As reported by Miguel Delaney in the Independent, Real Madrid are contemplating a move for Chelsea’s promising young defender, Josh Acheampong. The 18-year-old, who broke into the senior squad under Mauricio Pochettino last season, has garnered significant attention from top European clubs. Alongside Madrid, Liverpool, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be monitoring his progress. Despite the strong interest, Chelsea remain adamant that Acheampong, a product of their Cobham academy, is crucial to their long-term plans.

This January could be pivotal for the teenager’s future, as Madrid looks to bolster their defensive options following injuries to Dani Carvajal and Joan Martínez.

Madrid’s Defensive Dilemma

Real Madrid’s interest in Acheampong comes at a time when their defensive line is in need of reinforcement. Dani Carvajal’s recurring injuries, coupled with Martínez’s ACL injury, have left Madrid short-staffed at the back. Although Madrid are reportedly eyeing a long-term move for Trent Alexander-Arnold, the Liverpool right-back’s wage demands and potential reluctance to leave Anfield have complicated negotiations.

Photo: IMAGO

Acheampong, with his youthful potential and defensive versatility, offers Madrid a cost-effective alternative. He could serve as cover for Carvajal while also representing the type of young, promising talent that Madrid have recently sought to build their squad around. As Miguel Delaney puts it, “Acheampong may offer an elegant solution to a few issues” for Madrid.

Chelsea’s Stance on Their Starlet

Chelsea have made it clear that they do not wish to lose one of their brightest young prospects. The Stamford Bridge hierarchy views Acheampong as integral to the club’s future and are unlikely to entertain offers lightly. His contract runs until the summer of 2026, which gives Chelsea a strong negotiating position. However, the allure of Real Madrid is hard to ignore, even for young players deeply embedded in their clubs.

Photo IMAGO

Acheampong’s recent promotion from England’s under-19s to the under-20s during the international break, where he performed impressively in victories over Italy and the Czech Republic, has only heightened the interest surrounding him. With Liverpool, Newcastle, Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain, and Borussia Dortmund all keeping an eye on his situation, the battle for his signature could be fierce.

What Lies Ahead for Acheampong?

While Chelsea remain firm in their desire to keep Acheampong, the January transfer window could test their resolve. Madrid are considering whether to make a formal approach in the winter, especially given their current defensive needs. There’s also the possibility that Liverpool, should they miss out on Alexander-Arnold’s renewal, could shift their focus to Acheampong as a potential solution.

Regardless of how this transfer saga unfolds, one thing is clear: Josh Acheampong is a name to watch closely in the coming months.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Losing a talent nurtured at Cobham, especially one as promising as Acheampong, would be a significant blow. The fact that clubs like Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Newcastle are circling only adds to the worry. Chelsea supporters know all too well the sting of watching homegrown talent flourish elsewhere.

Acheampong’s potential departure would not just hurt in terms of squad depth—it would symbolise another instance of Chelsea’s youth system producing gems, only for them to be poached by Europe’s elite. For a club that prides itself on developing young talent, this would be a tough pill to swallow.

Many Chelsea fans might question the club’s recent management decisions regarding player development. While the senior squad is packed with talent, it’s crucial for the Blues to hold onto their future stars. Acheampong has already shown glimpses of his talent on the international stage and letting him go could result in Chelsea losing out on a player who might become a world-class defender in the coming years.

In short, the club’s hierarchy must do everything possible to ensure that Acheampong remains a Blue, especially with the likes of Real Madrid looming large.