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Done deal: Chelsea defender Ethan Ampadu joins Leeds United
Leeds United have completed their first signing of the summer transfer window, bringing in versatile defender Ethan Ampadu from Chelsea.
Ampadu – a Welsh international – joins the Whites on a four-year-deal worth an initial £7m plus £3.1m in add-ons, with the option to extend his contract for a further year.
Before joining Leeds, Ampadu was Chelsea’s longest serving player following the departure of Blues stalwart Cesar Azpilicueta this summer, being at the London club since signing from Exeter in 2017. Despite the significant length of time spent in the capital, he only made 12 appearances for Chelsea’s first team during his time in the side.
Ampadu spent much of this period on loan at several clubs, including RB Leipzig, Sheffield United, Venezia and Spezia.
Speaking to LUTV following his signing, the 22-year-old claimed that Leeds’ reputation as a club, as well as manager Daniel Farke, were key aspects convincing him to agree a deal:
“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.”
Ampadu is the first incoming signing in what has been a summer made up wholly of outgoings so far for the Whites, as Farke attempts to forge a squad capable of promotion to the Premier League next season.
And, with the West Yorkshire club’s takeover by 49ers Enterprises being formally ratified by the EFL on Monday evening, the Elland Road faithful will be hoping that the signing of Ampadu is a signal of what’s to come in what will surely be a busy transfer period at LS11.
