Chelsea Were Showing Interest In This Gifted Youngster: Should Alonso Go Back For Him In January?

Chelsea Were Showing Interest In This Gifted Youngster: Should Alonso Go Back For Him In January? In a recent report , journalist Graeme Bailey claimed that Chelsea were showing interest in Blackburn Rovers youngster Tom Atcheson. It is believed that the Blues were among the clubs hoping to recruit the Northern Irish centre-back earlier this summer. Atcheson’s Impressive Rise In The EFL Championship Atcheson has made a solid start to this EFL Championship campaign with Blackburn after putting in a few impressive displays for them on the defensive end of the pitch. The 19-year-old has played in five matches for his current employers this season so far across all fronts. The talented teenager is currently among the most gifted centre-backs in English football. Hence, it is no surprise that the Blues were trying to bring him to Stamford Bridge in the last summer transfer window. Atcheson is proving himself to be a reliable performer in the EFL Championship. However, it remains to be seen whether he can cope with the high intensity of the Premier League if Chelsea manage to land him next year. SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – APRIL 22: Tom Atcheson and Kristi Montgomery of Blackburn Rovers celebrate victory after the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United and Blackburn Rovers at Bramall Lane on April 22, 2026 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) Should Chelsea Boss Xabi Alonso Go Back For Atcheson In January? Atcheson loves a tackle and can time his challenges well to earn possession back for his team inside his half. He usually puts his foot through the ball when the opposition are on the front foot and can play his way out from the back. However, the Northern Irish talent is still quite raw and would need time to prove his worth at the highest level. Still, the Blues would do well to get a deal done for him this January or at the end of this campaign. We can expect Atcheson to enhance the quality of Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso’s defence in the long run. He is capable of serving as a decent rotational piece in the West London club’s squad over the next few years. At 19, the future looks quite promising for Atcheson as long as he continues to improve with each season. He will also help Chelsea challenge across all competitions in the future. Hence, Alonso would be wise to go back in for him when the transfer window reopens in January, but only if he is available for a reasonable fee.