Graham Smyth has reported on Twitter that Chelsea star Ethan Ampadu is “likely” to be Leeds United’s first senior signing of the summer, on a permanent deal – after reports emerged on Monday that Leeds have made an offer.
Ampadu, 22, has spent the last four seasons away from Chelsea, out on loan. The last two coming in the Serie A, on loan at Venezia and Spezia. Now he is back at Chelsea, where he finds himself in the last 12 months of his contract.
The Evening Standard say Leeds have made an offer to sign Ampadu – and they are the only club to do so as things stand, despite interest from Premier League, Serie A and La Liga clubs. Chelsea rate the Welsh ace at a fee of £12m.
Now, Yorkshire Evening Post reporter Smyth has given his update. He says a deal will be a permanent one, and that the Chelsea man is now ‘likely’ to be the first senior signing of the summer – after a couple of Under-21 additions.
Smyth says Ampadu likely to be first senior signing of summer for Leeds
At just 22, Ampadu already has huge first-team exposure – both with club and country. To amass 43 caps for your country by the age of 22 is very impressive. He might cost more than Patrick Bamford’s £10m fee, but it is worth it.
But to have also clocked up 60 Serie A outings over the last two seasons, Ampadu is clearly a hugely-talented player and is only getting better. To get him permanently then, is wonderful business from Leeds. A signal of intent.
Hopefully, it opens the floodgates. Ampadu’s arrival softens the lack of options on the right of central defence, and in the middle of the park. We still need a goalkeeper, left-back, another midfielder, a 10 and possibly even a striker.
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