Josh Acheampong hasn’t exactly had it all his own way at Chelsea this season, but FIFA have a plan up their sleeve to help boost the involvement of youth.
Josh Acheampong’s 2025/26 season has been a frustrating one. The 19-year-old started the campaign brilliantly, earning Player of the Match honors in a clean sheet against Crystal Palace and scoring his first senior goal with a header against Nottingham Forest.
In fact, he was a bit of a favorite of Enzo Maresca, but his path to the first team became increasingly congested following the managerial shift to Liam Rosenior.
Since the turn of the year, Acheampong has found starts difficult to come by, often restricted to brief cameos or being an unused substitute.
Despite his limited playing time, Chelsea’s hierarchy remains adamant that he is a non-transferable asset, recently rebuffing interest from giants like Bayern Munich and Manchester City.
Where will Chelsea finish this season? Will they get a European spot?🤔
FIFA consider new Under-21 plan
It is being reported by The Times that all clubs would be required to have at least one homegrown under-21 player on the pitch at all times under a radical plan being considered by FIFA.
The plan is said by sources to be aimed at helping the development of young players.
This hasn’t been so much of an issue at Chelsea, as Liam Rosenior in particular gave the likes of Jesse Derry, Shim Mheuka and Josh Acheampong opportunities at times.
Do you think Chelsea should have parted with Enzo Maresca?🤔
Josh Acheampong could finally get a chance
FIFA’s proposed mandate to keep at least one homegrown under-21 player on the pitch at all times would be a game-changer for Josh Acheampong.
The rule would transform him from a rotation option into a necessity, which some believe he arguably should be already at Chelsea.
His versatility across the backline makes him the perfect candidate to fulfill this quota, ensuring the club avoids penalties while allowing him to develop through the guaranteed first-team exposure.
After all, Acheampong’s performances at centre-back for the England Under-21 side showed exactly what he can do.
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