Chelsea policy sparks academy ‘ripples’ to give Real Madrid, PSG hope over €15m teen

This all comes as the wealthiest clubs increasingly pivot to signing the best young talent, in the manner that the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Sevilla used to make their speciality. There is a belief in the market that Manchester United s €60m purchase of Leny Yoro from Lille has set a benchmark for that profile of player. The 18-year-old centre-half s price was so high due to factors like his potential for growth and the knowledge his wages will be low, meaning clubs are essentially investing, as well as – crucially – the fact he had played 60 senior games at Lille.

Acheampong is seen as a similar profile of player, who can also play centre-half in addition to right-back, with the only difference between the two being a lack of minutes due to the English youth intern…