Borussia Dortmund are reportedly showing strong interest in Chelsea's promising young defender, Josh Acheampong. The 19-year-old right-back, who has progressed through Chelsea's academy ranks since joining as an Under-8, is attracting attention from several top European clubs, including Tottenham and Newcastle, due to his potential and versatility. Acheampong's ability to play both as a right-back and a central defender makes him a valuable asset.
Acheampong, born on May 5, 2006, has represented England at the youth level, including the Under-17 European Championships and the Under-17 World Cup in 2023, where he even scored a goal against New Caledonia. His performances for Chelsea's youth teams have also been impressive, contributing to their U18 Premier League Southern title win.
He made his senior debut for Chelsea on May 2, 2024, and has since made a handful of appearances for the first team, including outings in the Carabao Cup and UEFA Conference League. In December 2024, Acheampong signed a new contract with Chelsea, committing himself to the club until 2029, further solidifying his position within the squad. He was officially confirmed as a full-time member of the men's first team.
However, the young defender is said to be keen on securing more regular first-team football to further his development. This ambition has reportedly opened the door for clubs like Borussia Dortmund, who are known for their track record of nurturing young talent and providing them with opportunities to shine on the European stage.
Dortmund's interest in Acheampong aligns with their strategy of investing in promising youngsters with high potential. The Bundesliga club has a history of developing young players into world-class stars, and Acheampong's attributes appear to fit their profile.
While Chelsea reportedly value Acheampong at around £35 million and have previously rejected approaches for the player, there is a growing belief that they might be willing to consider offers if the right opportunity arises. This potential shift in Chelsea's stance has further fueled the interest from Dortmund and other clubs monitoring the situation.
Besides Dortmund, Inter Milan are also said to be closely watching Acheampong's situation, and could potentially enter the race for his signature if Dortmund make a concrete move. The competition for Acheampong's signature is expected to be fierce, given his talent and the potential he possesses.
Acheampong's strengths lie in his high-energy style of play, impressive first touch, and ability to carry the ball forward effectively. Defensively, he is known for his reading of the game and his physical strength, making him a well-rounded defender. His versatility to play in multiple positions across the backline further adds to his appeal.
It remains to be seen whether Borussia Dortmund will formalize their interest with an official bid for Josh Acheampong. However, the reported interest highlights the growing reputation of the young defender and the potential he has to become a top player in the future. Chelsea will have a decision to make regarding Acheampong's future, balancing their desire to keep their academy talent with the player's ambition for regular first-team football.
