Confirmed: Talented defender capable of playing in multiple positions signs new Chelsea contract 

With a statement on their official website, Chelsea have confirmed that versatile defender of African descent, Josh-Kofi Acheampong has signed a new contract with the club.

Eligible for the Black Stars of Ghana as well as his country of birth England, Acheampong has put pen to paper on his first professional contract, a reward for all his hard work since his arrival at Chelsea at U8 level.

The 17-year-old has the capacity to play in multiple positions across the back line including as a central defender, a full-back and at wing-back.

The London native was in the England squad that competed at the 2023 European U17 Championship last summer and was a key member of the squad at the 2023 Fifa U17 World Cup, where he went the distance in all the four matches contested by the Young Lions and bagged a goal and an assist from his right-back position.

"We are thrilled that Josh has committed his future to the club," Head of youth development and recruitment, Jim Fraser told Chelsea's official website. 

"He has taken another step forward in his development this season, something reflected in his performances for club and country."

Coached by Nigerian football tactician Hassan Sulaiman at U18 level, the English-Ghanaian youngster has played in five matches for Chelsea U18s in the U18 Premier League this term, and made his debut for the development squad in a Premier League 2 clash with Brighton & Hove in August 2023.

Josh-Kofi Acheampong started the 2023-2024 season as a second year scholar at Chelsea. 

Igho Kingsley 

Photo Credit: chelseafc.com