Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing 18-year-old English right-back Josh Acheampong from Chelsea, with Real Madrid also keen on landing him.
According to a report by i news, Josh Acheampong is the subject of interest from Newcastle United. The Magpies are keen on signing a right-back next year amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term future of Kieran Trippier. So, the Chelsea wonderkid has emerged as a target, with Real Madrid also showing an inclination to sign the 18-year-old in recent months.
Who is Josh Acheampong?
Josh Acheampong is the latest highly-rated prospect to rise in prominence in Chelsea’s Cobham division. A native of London, the Englishman has spent his formative years with Chelsea, joining the West London outfit at the under-8 level. Since then, he has progressed through the ranks while representing England at different age-group levels.
The 18-year-old has already made his first-team bow for Chelsea, earning a five-minute cameo against Tottenham Hotspur towards the end of the 2023/24 season. However, Acheampong currently represents the Blues’ reserve side, turning out thrice thus far this term while chipping in with an assist.
Meanwhile, Josh Acheampong’s progress in the youth division at Chelsea has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain attempted to sign the England youth international in the summer transfer window, while he has emerged as a target for Newcastle United.
High in demand
Real Madrid’s interest in Josh Acheampong is understandable. The reigning La Liga champions are scouring the market for a long-term successor to Dani Carvajal, with the Spanish full-back on the wrong side of 30. So, several candidates have emerged on Real Madrid’s radar, with Chelsea captain Reece James among the targets. However, Acheampong might be an intriguing option.
As for Newcastle United, the Tyneside outfit might part ways with Kieran Trippier in the January transfer window. The Englishman was eager to depart from St. James’ Park this past summer but has remained with the club. However, with Valentino Livramento the first-choice right-back, Trippier might look to leave Newcastle United this coming winter.
So, Acheampong has emerged as a viable target for Newcastle United. However, convincing Chelsea to sell the 18-year-old English wonderkid might be a tall order, with the West London club not ready to sell him. But Profit and Sustainability Rules issues might force Chelsea’s hands if they do not balance their books, as they can book Acheampong for “pure profit”.
