Antonio Conte is renowned for rarely dishing out praise on players at his disposal, and the Italian is also known for choosing experience over raw talent – but he raved about new Leeds target Ethan Ampadu back in December 2017.
Ampadu, 22, is looks set to become our first summer signing at senior level, as Graham Smyth reports. The news broke slightly earlier on Monday, with the Evening Standard claiming that Leeds have made an offer to sign Ampadu.
Rated at £12m, Ampadu has interest from all of the top leagues in Europe – but, Leeds are the only club to make an offer for Ampadu. It looks as if he will end up at Elland Road, with his £37k-a-week deal set to expire in 12 months.
Speaking about Ampadu back in 2017 while manager of Chelsea, Conte raved about the talented Wales star. The Italian gaffer handed Ampadu his Chelsea debut in December 2017 and having done so, raved about the midfielder.
“He shows great maturity, personality. I have spoken about him before in an enthusiastic way. He is showing great maturity. I don’t like to make gifts for someone. If you deserve to, I am ready to play you,” Conte told Goal in 2017.
Antonio Conte raved about new Leeds target Ethan Ampadu back in 2017
What a signing Ampadu would be for Leeds. The Whites need additions on the right of central defence after letting Rasmus Kristensen, Diego Llorente and Robin Koch all go. Midfield signings are also required in the next few weeks.
Marc Roca, Weston McKennie and Adam Forshaw have all gone. So, Ampadu is clearly a much-needed signing at Leeds this summer. Whether we get the Welshman remains to be seen, but it is looking more likely this summer.
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