Nick Hammond was actually hugely important in getting £7m player to Leeds United in the summer

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Nick Hammond has been one of the unsung heroes of Leeds United’s season.

Hammond came in at a time last summer when there was still so much work to do both in terms of incomings and outgoings, to build a squad capable of a promotion push.

Though it was a slow start to the season, Leeds were able to move on those who did not want to be here, and replace them with nine new signings, the majority of which have been a success.

Unlike when Victor Orta was at Elland Road, who was effectively a one man band for player signings, Leeds now have a number of different people working behind-the-scenes on recruitment.

Gretar Steinsson was the key to bringing Joel Piroe to the club, while Angus Kinnear’s relationship with Daniel Levy enabled Leeds to bring in Joe Rodon and the now departed Djed Spence from Tottenham. However, Hammond may have been the one to strike the best deal of them all.

Hammond key to Ampadu deal

According to the Athletic, Hammond was ‘hugely influential’ in Leeds’ ability to bring in Ethan Ampadu from Chelsea for just £7 million.

Many people would undoubtedly regard Ampadu as Leeds’ signing of the season and to have paid that sort of fee, for a player of his quality, makes it one of the best pieces of business the club have done in ages.

Ampadu has played all but one minute of every single league game this season, excelling both in defence and midfield, as well as donning the captain’s armband in the last two months.

Leeds beat off competition from a number of clubs across Europe to sign the 23-year-old in the summer, and so full credit has to go to Hammond for that.

Hammond had initially arrived at Leeds on a short-term deal to get through the summer, but the 49ers were so impressed with him, he was offered an extension. It is easy to see why with this Ampadu deal.