19-year-old Chelsea star earmarked for big role next season, Blues could now abandon new signing

Many supporters believe Chelsea need to sign a new left-back this summer, however the club may already have a plan to solve this issue already in their squad.Marc Cucurella was one of the club’s best performers during the 2024/25 season, and this was proven by the amount of minutes he played throughout the campaign.The Spain international racked up more than 4,300 minutes for Chelsea, added to in the extreme conditions of the United States during the Club World Cup.Renato Veiga’s departure in January left no recognised deputy for the former Brighton man, and has led to reports that the club could look to bring in a new option during this summer transfer window.Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesChelsea considering Josh Acheampong as cover for Marc CucurellaHowever, there may be an appetite to use some of the younger players they have in the squad who can make an impression.One of those options is Josh Acheampong, who broke into the first team squad last season and has starts in the Premier League, Conference League and Club World Cup under his belt.Despite primarily being seen as either a right-back or centre-back, Simon Phillips has claimed that Chelsea believe the youngster can be used as cover for Cucurella next season.He said on his Substack: “There is still a good chance that they sign two new defenders as well, with a focus on Marc Cucurella cover as well as a new out and out centre back being wanted. Chelsea do have players in the squad who they feel can adequately cover Cucurella though, including Josh Acheampong.”Photo by Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty ImagesNew role for Acheampong could see Chelsea abandon potential new signingChelsea have been linked with a big signing who was likely going to be brought in to provide competition for Cucurella.The Blues are reportedly the most advanced in the race to sign Jorrel Hato, who has also been linked with a move to Arsenal and Liverpool.However, Chelsea will want to prove there is a future for Acheampong at Stamford Bridge, and these opportunities could come up in multiple positions next season.There has been talk of loaning Acheampong out, but being used in the left-back role would provide him far more chances in what is set to be a busy season for the first team.