‘Well advanced’: Chelsea now close to selling 22-year-old who Lampard called a ‘fantastic talent’

Add as preferred source on Google

Chelsea are now close to selling Ethan Ampadu to Leeds on a permanent basis as the clear out at Stamford Bridge continues.

That is according to Phil Hay of The Athletic.

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

What’s the story?

Well, the Leeds correspondent for The Athletic believes the Wales international is now very close to joining Daniel Farke at Elland Road, although he did not mention any specific financial figures.

Ampadu – who Frank Lampard once called a “fantastic” talent, as quoted by the Metro – made 31 appearances on loan at Spezia last season, but is not part of Mauricio Pochettino’s plans for the 2023/24 campaign.

The Evening Standard suggested that the 22-year-old may be asked to train away from the Argentine’s main group at Cobham as Chelsea attempt to offload him.

Another story from the Evening Standard added that Ampadu could even stay behind at Cobham rather than travel on the pre-season tour of the United States, in order to finalise an exit.

Now, a move away from Stamford Bridge appears to be on, as Hay states that discussions over a permanent switch to Leeds are “well advanced” – personal terms just need to be agreed.

The journalist wrote on Twitter: “First signing close for Leeds United (as reported by Nizaar Kinsella) – centre-back Ethan Ampadu lined up to join on a permanent deal from Chelsea. Terms still to be finalised but well advanced.”

Chelsea should include buyback clause as Ampadu nears Leeds move

In our view, Chelsea would be foolish not to negotiate a buyback clause in the deal for Ampadu.

While the Exeter-born defender has struggled to take the next step in his career across various loan spells at RB Leipzig, Sheffield United, Venezia and Spezia, he still has plenty of potential yet to be fulfilled.

Therefore, Chelsea could regret letting Ampadu leave if he goes on to become a regular for Leeds, and gets them back into the Premier League with some excellent performances.

As a result, the Blues simply have to negotiate a buyback clause in the deal, just to safeguard themselves against the possibility of Ampadu fulfilling his vast potential away from west London.