Frank Lampard is in the frame to become Coventry’s new manager (Image: Getty)
Chelsea could use Frank Lampard’s management return to their advantage if the Blues legend lands the top job at Coventry City.
Lampard, who is Chelsea’s all-time record goal scorer and had two stints as a manager at Stamford Bridge, is reportedly among the leading contenders to replace Mark Robins. And the 46-year-old is set to be interviewed for the Championship post this week.
His last spell at Chelsea, as interim boss at the end of the 2022/23 season, was a disaster as he won just one of his 11 games in charge. But he could make amends by offering a transfer proposal which works for all parties if he returns to the dugout in the second tier.
The transfer market will swing open again in January, and Chelsea youngster Josh Acheampong is likely to look for a way out. The 18-year-old is rated highly by Blues bosses, but he has been exiled from the first team and even the development squad until he signs a new contract.
Acheampong’s current deal runs until the summer of 2026, and the fact he is yet to agree an extension suggests he is weighing up his options. If he plans to leave, Chelsea could do with advertising his talent to drive up his price tag.
Liverpool and Real Madrid are among the clubs credited with interest in the 18-year-old. But they, too, may be keen to see Acheampong tested in a senior setting before pulling the trigger on a permanent deal.
Josh Acheampong has made two appearances for the Chelsea first team (Image: Getty)
A loan switch to Coventry for the second half of the 2024/25 campaign would, in theory, be the perfect solution. There are no concrete links at this stage, but Acheampong playing regularly on a Championship stage would benefit his development, attract potential buyers and give Lampard a talented defender to help him hit the ground running.
If he gets the job, Lampard – like many other managers – may be keen to reunite with players he has worked with previously. Acheampong was still a year off breaking into the first team when Lampard was last in charge, but the England youth international will have been known to him as a promising member of the academy set-up.
Chelsea are evidently keen to secure Acheampong’s future, but if they are forced to cash in, Enzo Maresca at least has plenty of other options in the right-back department.
Reece James has been around for years and he is still only 24, while 21-year-old Malo Gusto has made an excellent start to the season. Their high standing in the first team could go some way towards explaining why Acheampong is reluctant to pledge his future to Chelsea.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1977425/chelsea-frank-lampard-josh-acheampong-coventry