Chelsea Football Club are poised to confirm a significant transfer exit as the January window draws to a close, with young winger Ato Ampah reportedly set to join Stoke City on a permanent deal. The move, which has been widely reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, marks a notable development in what has been a relatively quiet transfer period for the Blues.
Details of the Ampah Transfer Agreement
According to exclusive reports from Fabrizio Romano on social media platform X, Chelsea have agreed to a permanent transfer for 19-year-old Ato Ampah to Championship side Stoke City. The deal is said to be worth up to £3 million in a comprehensive package, with Chelsea securing a substantial sell-on clause as part of the agreement. Romano has indicated that a medical examination has been scheduled for Ampah at Stoke, signalling that the transfer is progressing swiftly ahead of the deadline on Monday evening.
Ampah's Background and Chelsea Career
Ato Ampah, who was born in Ghana, joined Chelsea's academy at the tender age of 11 and has since developed through the club's youth ranks. He made his professional debut for Chelsea in the Conference League last season against FC Astana, which remains his sole appearance for the senior team. Despite limited first-team opportunities, Ampah has demonstrated his potential in youth competitions, amassing an impressive record of 19 goals and 18 assists in 75 appearances across Chelsea's Under-18, U19, and U21 sides. Additionally, he has represented England at the Under-20 international level, highlighting his promising talent.
Chelsea's January Transfer Window Activity
This transfer comes amid a notably subdued January window for Chelsea by their recent standards. The club has not made any new signings during this period, while loanee Facundo Buonanotte has departed and Raheem Sterling's contract has been terminated, ending a largely unsuccessful stint at Stamford Bridge. Under new manager Liam Rosenior, Chelsea have enjoyed a resurgence on the pitch, winning five consecutive matches in all competitions. However, they are also expected to miss out on defensive target Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes, who is reportedly close to agreeing a £60 million move to Liverpool for the summer of 2026.
Stoke City's Ambitions and the Impact of the Signing
For Stoke City, currently competing in the Championship, the acquisition of Ato Ampah represents a strategic move to bolster their squad as they pursue a play-off place. At present, Stoke are five points behind sixth-placed Wrexham, and the addition of the 19-year-old winger is hoped to inject extra quality and dynamism into their promotion push. The club's management will be keen to integrate Ampah quickly, leveraging his youth and potential to enhance their attacking options in the latter stages of the season.
As the transfer deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the formal confirmation of this deal, which could prove pivotal for both clubs involved. Chelsea's focus on securing a sell-on clause suggests they retain belief in Ampah's future value, while Stoke City aim to capitalise on his immediate contributions to their Championship campaign.
