Carlton Palmer reveals how Ethan Ampadu will help Leeds United and Daniel Farke tactically

Ethan Ampadu is set to become Leeds’ first signing of the summer in a seven-figure move from Chelsea

Carlton Palmer believes that Ethan Ampadu will fit seamlessly in Daniel Farke’s plans as a move to Leeds United closes in – believing he will play in a midfield role as opposed to a central defensive role.

The Welshman has failed to nail down a starting spot at a Chelsea side that has seen a huge amount of turnover in the past four seasons, and three consecutive loan spells which have unfortunately seen three relegations has plunged him further and further down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.

It appears that Leeds are ready to offer him a way out of West London, and West Yorkshire now beckons for the Blues wonderkid but with times also changing at Leeds, Palmer believes that he can offer Farke some reassurances as the Whites look to secure promotion at the first attempt.

What has Carlton Palmer said about Ethan Ampadu?

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Palmer had high hopes for Ampadu’s arrival at Leeds United. He said: “Ethan Ampadu, the Welsh international, is close to signing for Leeds United. He had a year left on his contract at Chelsea, he’s still only 22, has won 40 caps for Wales.

“It is thought Ethan’s best position is as a defensive midfielder, but he can operate as a centre-back in either a two or a three.

“He’s a very good signing, he’s very versatile. I think Farke will operate him as a defensive midfielder because he’s an attack-minded manager, pushing the full-backs high up the pitch and having a player like Ethan allows this to happen.”

What would Ethan Ampadu bring to Leeds United?

With defender duo Robin Koch and Diego Llorente departing on loan to Eintracht Frankfurt and Roma respectively, it leaves the Whites with just Liam Cooper, Pascal Struijk, Charlie Cresswell and Max Sober as their central defensive options – with Struijk and Wober both capable of playing at left-back.

However, none of those players, bar perhaps Wober, has the capabilities to play the ball out from the back as well as Ampadu does. With 44 appearances for Wales, alongside six appearances in European competitions for Chelsea and Leipzig combined, Ampadu has more than enough experience to ease himself into the Championship – especially after a 25-appearance season in the Premier League with Sheffield United.

His versatility, quality and experience at the age of just 22 means that he will slot seamlessly into Farke’s plans, and for a fee of just £7million rising to £10m, that represents a decent bargain for the Yorkshire-based club.

What have previous managers said about Ampadu’s potential?

Chris Wilder was full of praise for the Welshman, adding that he was ‘outstanding’ at Sheffield United. He said: “Definitely. The game has moved on, you have to be so mobile as a professional footballer now.

“The game does become a bit stretched but when you’ve got the likes of Sander (Berge) and Ethan, the way they get about the park, it gives you a little bit more security. I thought Ethan’s performance was outstanding. I know the manager at Chelsea (Lampard) sees him as a sitting midfield player.

“He obviously played at right centre-half at Leipzig and in the middle of a back three as well in his time there, so they saw him in that position.”

Carlton Palmer warns Fulham as they turn to Southampton to replace Aleksandar Mitrovic

It is set to be and is already proving to be a testing summer for Southampton following their relegation from the Premier League, with several integral first-teamers being linked with moves away from St Mary’s.

Speculation over the futures of the likes of Romeo Lavia and James Ward-Prowse, amongst others, has taken centre stage thus far, with new Saints boss Russell Martin eyeing up his own additions and potential replacements for those who are expected to move on for pastures news.

Given that the ultimate objective looking towards the 2023/24 Championship campaign will be an immediate return to the Premier League, Martin will be eager to keep a large part of the current squad together, although he will be aware that keeping certain players will prove too tough of an ask.

Subsequently, if the Saints are set to lose some players to the Premier League, the Hampshire club’s boss will need to have ideal replacements in mind.

Which Southampton player is being considered by Fulham as an Aleksandar Mitrovic replacement?

According to the Sky Sports Transfer Centre (15:50 – 15/07), Fulham have made an enquiry regarding Southampton striker Che Adams, with the Cottagers considering the Scotland international as an Aleksandar Mitrovic replacement.

The prolific Serbian striker is close to completing a move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, as detailed by a report from Football Insider.

The update from Sky Sports also revealed that Crystal Palace have enquired about Adams, whilst Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Burnley, and Everton have all been linked with a move for the striker, who Southampton value at around the £15 million mark.

What has pundit Carlton Palmer said about Fulham’s interest in Southampton striker Che Adams?

Speaking to Football League World about Fulham’s interest in the Southampton striker, and whether or not he could fill Mitrovic’s boots, Carlton Palmer said: “Fulham are believed to have joined the race to sign Che Adams from Southampton.

“You know for me, I think he is an industrial, hard-working player, good, strong front-runner, but he won’t be able to replace Mitro’s goals.

“He will be a useful squad addition for Fulham. 123 appearances in the Premier League at Southampton and 24 goals, which is not a great return, one goal every five games.

“It’s likely he will move on from the relegated Southampton, given he only has a year left on his contract and Crystal Palace are also monitoring the situation.”

Should Fulham be considering Southampton striker Che Adams as an Aleksandar Mitrovic replacement?

Adams is a player of quality and is certainly someone who would improve the squad at Fulham, ahead of what could be a tougher Premier League campaign this time around for the London club.

The 27-year-old brings athleticism, desire in and out of possession and has a decent enough technical ability, whilst he is also at a very good age to go on and shine.

However, he is not a natural goalscorer and when looking to replace Mitrovic, goals are a vitally important factor in determining who would be deemed as a worthwhile replacement.

Adams has a lot of desirable qualities and has the ability to thrive at Fulham but he would not provide a solution to a potential shortage of goals at Craven Cottage, should Mitrovic go on to secure a move away.