Leeds United close to signing Chelsea star Ethan Ampadu
Leeds United are close to signing young Chelsea star Ethan Ampadu, according to reports. (
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Background on Ampadu
Ampadu joined Chelsea as a 16-year-old in 2017 – currently making him the club’s longest serving player – and made 12 appearances in his first two seasons.
However, he has not played a game for them in four years, spending that time out on loan at RB Leipzig, Sheffield United, Venezia and Spezia – suffering consecutive relegations with the latter three.
The centre-back/defensive midfielder is not in Mauricio Pochettino’s plans, and with just a year left on his contract the Blues have been looking to offload him.
Leeds United’s Interest
And it seems that they have found a buyer, with The Athletic reporting that Leeds are close to agreeing a deal for the Wales international who was named in Chelsea’s squad for their pre-season tour of the USA.
Daniel Farke is conducting a rebuild of the West Yorkshire club following their relegation from the Premier League, with many stars already gone including defenders Diego Llorente, Rasmus Kristensen and Robin Koch.
Competition for Ampadu’s Signature
Though it is not said how much Ampadu will cost Leeds, other reports claim that Chelsea are looking for around £12million for the 22-year-old.