‘Today’: £37,000-a-week Chelsea player Conte called ‘really good’ now having medical ahead of exit

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Ethan Ampadu is now having a medical at Leeds United ahead of a permanent exit from Chelsea.

That is according to Fabrizio Romano.

So, what is the latest on Ethan Ampadu at Chelsea? Let’s take a look…

What’s the story?

Well, the Wales international became Chelsea’s longest serving player when Cesar Azpilicueta left for Atlético Madrid last month, having been at Stamford Bridge since 2017.

Now – however – Ampadu is about to leave on a permanent basis following four loan spells away at RB Leipzig, Sheffield United, Venezia and Spezia.

Romano believes the £37,000-a-week man has been pencilled in for a medical at Leeds today (Tuesday) as he nears a £7m move to Elland Road.

Chelsea have not negotiated a buyback clause in the agreement for Ampadu, although the Blues have agreed a sell-on clause with Leeds.

The Exeter-born defender has consequently not travelled with Chelsea to the United States for pre-season as he finalises his switch to Yorkshire.

Ampadu exit could come back to bite Chelsea

In our view, a buyback clause should have been negotiated in the deal as well as a sell-on clause. Ampadu has the ability to become a standout player in the Championship next season, and also a solid Premier League performer if Leeds are promoted.

That could see his value soar – for example, a similar situation has happened with Marc Guehi, who is now worth far more than the £18m Crystal Palace spent to sign him from Chelsea in July 2021.

In that particular deal, Chelsea also only managed to negotiate a sell-on clause rather than a buyback option.

Hopefully, Ampadu can go on to fulfil his vast potential – Antonio Conte once called him a “really good” player who represents the future for Chelsea, and his talent is undeniable.

However, Chelsea really should have covered their backs with more clauses than just a sell-on clause.