Chelsea face wonderkid threat as Crystal Palace want Guehi replacement

Robin Bairner

24 Jan 2026 09:01 CST
3 min read

Crystal Palace are interested in a late January move Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong, according to a report.

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The 19-year-old has had a mixed season so far at Stamford Bridge. When Acheampong has played, he has for the most part looked good. However, games have been far and far between.

One of Chelsea fans' major gripes with former head coach Enzo Maresca was his reluctance to use Acheampong. Many felt that the teenager deserved to play ahead of the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile.

The situation has somewhat changed under Liam Rosenior. Acheampong started in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup and made a short cameo appearance against Brentford in the Premier League. He did not get on the pitch against Pafos in the Champions League, however.

All told, the versatile defender has made 17 appearances so far this season, playing just under 1000 minutes. Due to his lack of game time, clubs have been testing the waters over a January move.

Palace want Acheampong

The latest suitors to be linked with Acheampong are Crystal Palace. According to Sky Sports, the Eagles have registered their interest in the youngster, although no formal talks have as yet taken place with Chelsea.

The report acknowledges that it is unclear if the Blues are even receptive to bids for him. They previously insisted that Acheampong was not for sale, and logic would suggest that this stance has only become more firm given that Chelsea themselves are looking to sign a defender.

The flip side is that Chelsea may feel that they would have adequate depth once they secure the signing of top target Jeremy Jacquet. In that case, the door for a potential exit of Acheampong may open.

A loan could be beneficial, and the West London club have a strong relationship with Palace, having previously sent various players to Selhurst Park, including Marc Guehi, Conor Gallagher, Trevoh Chalobah and Ben Chilwell.

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