The Daily Telegraph have reported that Crystal Palace have set their sights on securing a season-long loan deal for Chelsea’s highly rated young defender Josh Acheampong, as manager Oliver Glasner looks to bolster his squad with emerging talent ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
🚨 Crystal Palace have enquired about Josh Acheampong on a season-long loan. [@mcgrathmike] pic.twitter.com/qI4ZjNnKnW
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) July 8, 2025
The 18-year-old versatile defender capable of playing as a right-back or centre-back, has caught the attention of Palace scouts with his impressive performances for Chelsea’s youth teams and his brief senior outings. The England Under-20 international is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Chelsea’s academy, with his pace, physicality, and composure on the ball earning high praise.
Sources close to Selhurst Park indicate that Palace see Acheampong as an ideal addition to their defensive ranks, particularly as Glasner aims to blend youth with experience in his squad. The proposed loan move would offer the teenager valuable first-team experience in the Premier League, aligning with Chelsea’s strategy of developing their young stars through temporary moves.
Chelsea, however, are yet to make a final decision on Acheampong’s immediate future. The Blues’ new head coach, Enzo Maresca, is reportedly keen to assess the youngster during pre-season before sanctioning any loan exit. With Reece James and Malo Gusto ahead of him in the pecking order at right-back, a loan move could provide Acheampong with the regular minutes needed to accelerate his development.
Palace’s interest comes amid a busy transfer window for the Eagles, who have already secured several signings as they aim to build on last season’s solid mid-table finish. Glasner’s side are also in the market for attacking reinforcements, but the pursuit of Acheampong signals their intent to strengthen defensively with an eye on the future.
Negotiations between the two clubs are expected to progress in the coming weeks, with Palace hopeful of finalising a deal before the transfer window closes. Should the move materialise, Acheampong could follow in the footsteps of other Chelsea loanees, such as Conor Gallagher, who thrived during a temporary stint at Selhurst Park.
For now, Crystal Palace fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on this potential coup, as the club looks to secure one of England’s most promising young defenders for the 2025-26 season.
