Liverpool 'target' frozen out by Chelsea as contract demand is made

Liverpool target Josh Acheampong is currently being frozen out at Chelsea unless he signs a new deal, claim reports.

The 18-year-old academy star played 27 minutes in the 5-0 win over Barrow in the EFL Cup in September and was introduced to first-team football last season under Mauricio Pochettino. Highly-rated, he has represented England at youth level from U16-U20 and he has been in the club’s academy since the under-eight stage.

Liverpool are understood to be interested in a potential move, but they aren’t the only ones. According to the Independent, Acheampong has been on the radar of clubs across Europe but Real Madrid are considering a move in January. His deal expires in 2026 and he is currently at an impasse with the club having not played at any level with the club - including senior or youth teams - for a month due to an ongoing contract conflict.

The Athletic have now stated that: ‘Chelsea’s highly-rated teenage defender Josh Acheampong has been told he will not play for the club’s first team or development squad until he signs a new contract. Acheampong’s current deal expires in 2026 and the club have opened talks over an extension to secure his long-term future, but nothing has been finalised yet.’

He was reportedly seen as the third choice right-back going into this season but hasn’t been in the squad for over a month. Sources have said that his omission is due to the contract talks stalling and the club have told him the situation will not change unless he extends.

This news follows on directly from the reports that Chelsea had banned Liverpool scouts from attending their youth games after they managed to sign 16-year-old academy sensation Rio Ngumoha - a deal that reportedly left the higher-ups at Chelsea angered.

With his ability to play at right-back, centre-back or in midfield, he is highly admired across Europe and with Trent Alexander-Arnold still stalling over a new deal, he could be eyed as a future star to replace him if he departs. However, with the two clubs seemingly experiencing transfer battles from the deals that saw Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia head to Chelsea and youngster Ngumoha join Liverpool, it seems their rivalry is continuing to grow.