Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness believes Josh Acheampong will continue his progress with Chelsea rather than depart amid external interest. The Cobham product, elevated to the senior squad by Enzo Maresca last year, has caught attention with his displays despite limited minutes.
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness believes Josh Acheampong will continue his progress with Chelsea rather than depart amid external interest. The Cobham product, elevated to the senior squad by Enzo Maresca last year, has caught attention with his displays despite limited minutes.
Wyness suggested to Football Insider that rumours of a transfer — including links to Manchester City — may stem from agent-driven noise rather than genuine plans.
According to Wyness, the teenager is on a normal growth path for his age and has already shown he can cope with Premier League football. He described Acheampong as a defender of genuine quality who is already being recognised, adding that Chelsea would be unwise to part with him too soon.
Acheampong, who can slot in both centrally and on the right side of defence, has produced notable outings this season, even scoring against Nottingham Forest — his first senior goal for the Blues.
Despite positive performances, Maresca acknowledged that he erred by not playing him in the defeat to Leeds, leading to frustration over reduced involvement.
The 19-year-old’s profile has consequently attracted attention from elsewhere, but Wyness expects him to remain in west London where his progress began. He believes Chelsea view him as a player worth keeping and developing rather than cashing in on prematurely.
As the summer window approaches, the club may reassess their defensive options based on Levi Colwill’s recovery from a serious knee issue. Forest’s Murillo has been linked, while promising defenders Aaron Anselmino and Mamadou Sarr — who featured at the Club World Cup — could return from loan spells and contest first-team roles if they continue to impress.
With several routes available for squad planning, Acheampong’s future will form part of Chelsea’s broader defensive picture. For now, Wyness maintains his belief that the youngster’s next steps will still be taken at Stamford Bridge.
