Sky Sports: Crystal Palace interested in move to sign Chelsea defender | OneFootball

Chelsea’s Acheampong Emerges as Crystal Palace Option

According to Sky Sports News’ James Green and James Savundra, “Josh Acheampong has emerged as a potential target for Crystal Palace in this window.” With Marc Guehi now departed, Palace are assessing how best to rebalance a defence that has lost both leadership and Premier League-proven authority.

The report adds that Palace are weighing “a number of options, both short term and long term, to help fill the void left by former captain Marc Guehi.” That framing feels important. This is not simply about replacing a player, it is about restoring a reference point in the back line, someone who can grow into responsibility while also coping with the immediate physical and tactical demands of the league.

Palace recruitment strategy in focus

Acheampong, at just 19, fits the familiar Palace profile of a high-upside, development-ready defender. He is described as “one of the names currently being discussed,” which suggests exploratory work rather than anything close to a completed deal.

Notably, “no formal conversations are understood to have taken place yet between Palace and Chelsea.” That caveat matters, particularly in a window where rumour can often outrun reality. Still, the interest aligns with a broader pattern.

Chelsea relationship continues to shape options

“The two clubs have a strong working relationship, having traded a number of players in recent years.” That history is extensive. “Last season, Chelsea allowed Trevoh Chalobah and Ben Chilwell to join the Eagles on loan, and before that the likes of Guehi and Conor Gallagher have followed that well-trodden path.”

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For Palace, that pathway has delivered mixed outcomes, but it has undeniably helped them access talent that might otherwise be out of reach. The Guehi success story in particular will linger in decision-makers’ minds when considering another young Chelsea centre-back.

Short-term depth and long-term potential

“It is currently unclear whether Chelsea would sanction a permanent sale in this window or allow the youngster to depart on loan.” With Chelsea themselves looking to add a centre-back due to injuries, their stance could shift quickly.

Acheampong’s recent involvement under new head coach Liam Rosenior strengthens his profile. The report notes he “has started both domestic cup matches under new head coach Liam Rosenior and featured in the last four Premier League matches.” That exposure matters, as it suggests trust and growing responsibility at Stamford Bridge.

For Palace, this looks less like a headline move and more like a calculated bet on potential, timing, and a familiar development route.

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From a Crystal Palace supporter’s perspective, this link feels both logical and slightly underwhelming at first glance. Losing Marc Guehi is not simply about replacing a defender, it is about replacing a leader, a communicator, and someone who anchored the entire defensive structure. Acheampong may be talented, but asking a 19-year-old to shoulder that kind of responsibility straight away feels optimistic.

That said, Palace fans have seen this movie before. Guehi himself arrived with promise rather than pedigree, and he grew into one of the most reliable centre-backs in the division. There is a sense that Palace’s recruitment team back their ability to spot the right personality as much as the right profile.

Supporters may also question whether another loan helps in the long run. A permanent deal would feel more in keeping with rebuilding the spine of the side. If it is another short-term fix, there is a risk of repeating the cycle of temporary solutions.

Still, with injuries, budget realities, and squad balance to consider, a move for Acheampong could represent a smart piece of squad planning. The hope among fans would be that this is not the only defensive addition, but rather part of a broader reshaping that brings both immediate stability and long-term growth.