Leeds United Sign Wales International Ethan Ampadu from Chelsea
Leeds United have bolstered their squad with the signing of Wales international Ethan Ampadu from Premier League side Chelsea on a four-year deal for a reported £7m fee plus add-ons. The 22-year-old defender had previously played just 12 games for the Blues following his move from Exeter City in July 2017.
Ampadu had loan spells with Sheffield United and German side RB Leipzig, and spent the past two seasons in Italy with Venezia and Spezia respectively. He becomes Leeds’ first summer signing under new boss Daniel Farke and gives the club a much needed option at the back following the departures of defenders Rasmus Kristensen, Diego Llorente and Robin Koch on loan for the season following Leeds’ relegation to the Championship. Ampadu can also play in a holding midfield role, making him a valuable asset for Farke’s side.
Although much of his Chelsea career has been spent away from Stamford Bridge, Ampadu was involved in pre-season training with the Blues this summer and is now looking forward to his new challenge with Leeds United. Exeter City have earned £1.6m from his initial sale and are to receive 20% of the profit made by Chelsea as part of their tribunal agreement.
Ampadu – the son of former Arsenal, Swansea and Exeter player Kwame Ampadu – has 44 caps for the Wales national team, playing in Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup. He will be looking to make an immediate impact at Leeds United and help them to secure promotion back to the Premier League this season.
## Conclusion
Ethan Ampadu’s move to Leeds United is a major coup for the club and could prove to be a shrewd piece of business by new boss Daniel Farke. Ampadu brings a wealth of experience to the club despite his young age and could be a key player in Leeds’ push for promotion back to the Premier League this season.