Transfer expert Dean Jones has told Ranks FC Ultras podcast that those behind the scenes at Chelsea are “really excited” for Ethan Ampadu after he completed a move to Leeds United – and are confident he will be a success.
Ampadu, 22, joins for a package worth £10m – Leeds playing £7m, plus a potential £3m in more in add-ons. It is after his Chelsea contract had entered a final 12 months, following four successive loan spells away from Chelsea.
The 44-time Wales star has spent the last two years in Serie A with Venezia and then Spezia, playing 60 times in Italy’s top flight. He is a much-better players than the one that struggled initially at RB Leipzig and Sheffield United.
Ampadu now looks set for the next chapter of his career with Leeds, penning a deal until 2027 – with the option of another year. Jones says that those at Chelsea are excited for Ampadu, and confident he will be a Leeds success.
“People talking at Chelsea, they’re really excited for him, think he will do really well. Their [Leeds] strategy has been a bit strange, but with Ampadu, that is intent, that’s the sign of a team pushing to get back into the Premier League.”
Jones: People at Chelsea confident Ampadu will be a success at Leeds
It is a good move for Ampadu, but also for Leeds. Ampadu has admitted that if he is to become a Premier League regular, he is not going to do it by joining a club currently in the top tier. He needs to join a Championship outfit.
A team that have a good shout of promotion. Leeds are certainly that. A solid year with Leeds in the middle of the park, or in defence, and Ampadu could go on to start in the Premier League. But he will need to show improvement.
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