ETHAN AMPADU’S MOVE TO LEEDS UNITED GIVES CASH BOOST TO EXETER CITY

22-year-old Welsh international Ethan Amapadu has left Chelsea and joined Championship side Leeds United.

The fee is expected to be in the region of £7 million, though it has been described as undisclosed. It is understood that the Grecians could get in the region of 20% of that as part of a transfer fee sell on as set by a tribunal. Details of that tribunal ruling can be found at https://www.exeweb.com/2018/04/20/tribunal-announces-ethan-ampadu-transfer-fee/

The cash boost for Exeter City will be split between the player budget, the academy and capital projects, though whether any of that money becomes available before the transfer window shuts remains to be seen.

The Leeds United statement on the transfer says:-

Leeds United are delighted to announce the signing Ethan Ampadu, in a permanent transfer.

The versatile defender, who can also operate in midfield, joins the club from Chelsea for an undisclosed fee.

The 22-year-old has penned a four-year deal at Elland Road, running until the summer of 2027.

Ampadu came through the ranks with Exeter City and became the youngest ever player to play for their first team, making his debut at the age of 15, in August 2016.

After making 13 appearances for the Grecians, in the summer of 2017 he was snapped up by Premier League side Chelsea and went on to make his debut in the EFL Cup against Nottingham Forest in September of the same year.

Two months later, at the age of 17, Ampadu made his full international debut for Wales, against France.

Over the past four seasons, he has spent time away from Chelsea on loan, firstly with RB Leipzig in the German Bundesliga.

He returned to England with Sheffield United for the 2021/22 campaign, featuring 25 times for the Blades in the Premier League.

In the last two campaigns, Ampadu has made 60 appearances in Italy’s Serie A, for Venezia and Spezia.

At international level, following his début back in 2017, Ampadu has gone on to amass a total of 44 caps for his country.

Ethan talking to LUTV said of his move:-

I think as a club, the history doesn’t have to be sold.

Everyone knows how big of a club Leeds United is. Obviously we are now in the position we are, but we all want more.

When I spoke with the boss [Daniel Farke], as soon as I got off the phone call I knew what I wanted, he really impressed me.

He told me what he liked about me and where he thinks I can improve as a player.

That all helped me choose Leeds United.