‘I Want Him to Stay With Us’ – Chelsea Boss Enzo Maresca Slams Door Shut on Young Star Leaving Blues This Summer
As Chelsea gear up for a new chapter under the leadership of Enzo Maresca, one message from the new boss rings loud and clear: the kids are staying. Among the most talked-about names in recent weeks is Joshua Acheampong, a young defender who has quickly risen through the ranks and is now turning heads across England and beyond. But despite interest from Premier League and European rivals, Maresca isn’t entertaining any offers — not even for a moment.
WHAT HAPPENED? A Young Star Making Big Waves
When Chelsea took on Esperance in the Club World Cup, it wasn’t just another game on the fixture list — it was a statement. And while many eyes were on the more established names, one young defender quietly stole the spotlight: Joshua Acheampong.
Starting in that match at just 19 years old, Acheampong showed poise, strength, and tactical intelligence that belied his age. A product of Chelsea’s Cobham academy, he’s long been seen as a high-potential prospect, but his recent performances have pushed him into the spotlight — and straight into the plans of Maresca.
The buzz around him hasn’t gone unnoticed. Multiple clubs, both in England and on the continent, have made inquiries about his availability. But if you ask Maresca, the answer is simple and emphatic: “I want him to stay with us.”
WHAT MARESCA SAID: Laying Down the Law on Acheampong
Brighton & Hove Albion v Chelsea FC – Pre-Season Friendly
During a recent press briefing, Maresca addressed the growing speculation head-on. With refreshing honesty and clarity, he made it clear that Josh Acheampong is going nowhere — at least not permanently.
“The clubs that you mentioned, they like Josh, but we also like Josh,” Maresca said. “Any club likes good players. My plan with Josh is quite clear. I said many times that I really like Josh. I think he potentially can be a top defender for this club. It’s on him to have the right timing to do things.”
It’s that last part — “the right timing” — that offers a glimpse into Maresca’s philosophy. He’s not rushing the development process, but he’s not stalling it either. For Maresca, it’s about striking the right balance between nurturing talent and giving it the stage to shine.
He continued:
“We are full of young players here, full of talented players, even defenders. So I think the best plan for Josh is to be with us, and I’m very happy if he’s going to be with us.”
The Bigger Picture: Chelsea’s Youth Movement Under Maresca
Enzo Maresca arrived at Stamford Bridge with a clear mission: restore order, instill a philosophy, and give young players a genuine pathway to the first team. So far, he’s delivering on that promise.
Acheampong isn’t the only academy star to benefit from this new approach. Players like Alfie Gilchrist, Leo Castledine, and Alex Matos have all seen increased involvement under Maresca’s tenure. There’s a real sense that Cobham products are finally being trusted, not just used as squad fillers.
Acheampong’s rise is particularly symbolic. He’s a natural centre-back, but he’s shown versatility when required. Strong in the air, intelligent in positioning, and confident in playing out from the back — he represents exactly the kind of modern defender that fits Maresca’s system.
Contract Security: No Rush, No Panic
It helps that Acheampong isn’t on the verge of running down his deal. He signed a new five-year contract just last year, a sign of both the club’s belief in him and the player’s commitment to Chelsea’s project. That gives Maresca breathing room to develop him properly, without the pressure of ticking clocks or transfer windows.
The only scenario where a departure could even be considered would be a short-term loan — and only if it aligns with the player’s development plan. Sources inside the club suggest that any loan would need to guarantee regular minutes, preferably in a system compatible with Chelsea’s playing style.
But as things stand, Maresca doesn’t see the need for that. Acheampong is training with the first team, playing big games, and learning fast. Why disrupt that momentum?
DID YOU KNOW? Andrey Santos Also in the Frame
Maresca also used the opportunity to shed light on another young talent in the squad — Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos. The 20-year-old made his competitive debut in the Club World Cup against ES Tunis and impressed with his energy and technical quality.
“Andrey is working with us, and he’s working well,” Maresca said. “He worked already with us last summer in preseason, so we know Andrey a little bit. His season was very good, but I think you need time to adapt.”
Crucially, Maresca outlined his tactical vision for Santos, indicating he sees the Brazilian in a more advanced midfield role, closer to Enzo Fernandez than to the more defensive-minded Caicedo or Lavia.
“In terms of position, I see Andrey in this moment as more of Enzo’s position than Moi’s or Romeo’s. First of all, in the Premier League, you need to be physically strong. So at this moment, I see Andrey more as an attacking midfielder than a defensive midfielder.”
It’s all part of a broader plan — building a squad with long-term vision, not just short-term fixes.
WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA? Club World Cup, Benfica, and Beyond
Chelsea’s next big test comes in the form of Benfica, as they meet in the Round of 16 at the Club World Cup in Charlotte this weekend. For Maresca, it’s another chance to assess his squad against quality opposition, and perhaps give more minutes to players like Acheampong and Santos.
But the bigger picture is even more exciting. If this tournament is any indication, Maresca is setting the foundation for something bigger. Chelsea are no longer a club chasing headlines with marquee signings alone — they’re beginning to cultivate a new identity based on youth, technical intelligence, and long-term vision.
Acheampong, Santos, and others are part of that blueprint. And with Maresca’s calm leadership and belief in the next generation, the future at Stamford Bridge might just be brighter than anyone expected.
Final Thoughts: Holding the Door Closed, but Opening Opportunities
When Enzo Maresca says “I want him to stay with us,” he’s not just talking about a transfer decision — he’s talking about belief. Belief in the process, belief in the player, and belief in the club’s ability to nurture and elevate young talent.
In an era where young stars are often treated as commodities to be flipped or loaned out endlessly, it’s refreshing to see a manager take a stand. For Joshua Acheampong, the message is clear: you’re not just part of the future — you’re part of the present.
And for Chelsea fans, that’s a message worth getting excited about.
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