Leeds United have signed defender, Ethan Ampadu from Chelsea for an undisclosed transfer fee.
Ampadu becomes Leeds’ first summer signing in a move where Leeds have paid an initial £7m transfer fee plus add-ons, for the 22 year-old who has signed a four-year contract at Elland Road.
Chelsea though have a sell-on clause inserted into the transfer meaning that they will receive a small fee of a future transfer deal involving Ampadu, should the Wales international be sold during his time at Leeds.
“I think as a club, the history doesn’t have to be sold,” commented Ampadu to LUTV.
“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 will also be reunited with ex RB Leipzig teammate, Tyler Adams who he “got on well” with during his time in Germany, and the 22 year-old revealed that he had held discussions with Adams about the move as he added: “When the interest was there, I gave him a message and we spoke a little bit.
“He couldn’t speak highly enough about the club. He’s a good friend and we have always stayed in touch.”
Ampadu also can play as a defensive midfielder which he feels “comfortable” but admitted that he has room for improvement, as he continued: “I know I have to improve in both, so wherever the boss needs me I am happy to play, but I am comfortable in both.”
Ampadu leaves Stamford Bridge having made just 12 appearances in two seasons for the Blues between 2017-19 seasons, having joined from Exeter City in Summer 2017 but subsequently spent recent seasons on loan at RB Leipzig, Sheffield United, Venezia and Spezia.
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