'What is wrong with this club!' - Chelsea slammed for 'illegal' treatment of Josh Acheampong as teenage star is exiled from senior squad & U21s after being issued with 'shocking' ultimatum

Acheampong is a highly-rated academy graduate who made his first-team debut for the Blues back in February and looks to have a bright future ahead of him. However, Chelsea have told the 18-year-old he won't play for the senior side or the Under-21s until he signs a new contract at the club, according to The Athletic. Acheampong's current deal runs out in 2026 but contract talks with the Blues have stalled and other "high-profile clubs" are interested in making a move for the youngster when the January transfer window reopens.

Chelsea's strong stance has not gone down well with fans who are disappointed and frustrated with the club's treatment of Acheampong.

Blues fan @365KBT posted on X: "That’s no way to treat an academy player, what is wrong with this club."

And @damascusbaldwin wrote simply: "He is doing his job. Signing an extension is optional."

Manchester United fan @ineos_devils was also critical of Chelsea, posting: "Blackmailing young players Chelsea hit a new low."

While @M4RZ0V3LLI advised Acheampong to move on: "Just go to Madrid or Liverpool bro they’ll treat you right."

And @BizzNizz84 had sympathy for the youngster: "That’s absolutely shocking. Poor lad."

Chelsea's treatment of their players has been in the spotlight for some time. Academy graduate Mason Mount was sold to Manchester United in 2023, while fans were angered last summer by the decision to offload another graduate Conor Gallagher to Atletico. Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell and Trevoh Chalobah have all been exiled from the club's facilities at various points over the last few months.

Acheampong has not played for Chelsea at all for almost a month. His last game for the Under-21s came on September 15, and his only first-team appearance was as a substitute in the Carabao Cup win over Barrow.

Chelsea have opened talks with Acheampong over a contract extension but it remains to be seen if the teenager will pen an extension at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are eager to avoid players running down their contracts but taking such a hardline stance is also a risk and could ultimately end up backfiring.