Football pundits Gary Lineker and Micah Richards have openly questioned Chelsea's decision to sell Welsh international Ethan Ampadu for a mere £7 million, following his outstanding return to the Premier League with Leeds United. The former Chelsea player, once considered a promising talent at Stamford Bridge, has reinvented himself as a key figure at Elland Road, prompting widespread praise from analysts and former players alike.
A Chelsea Career Defined by Loans
Chelsea originally signed a 17-year-old Ampadu from Exeter City back in 2017, with high hopes for his future at the club. However, over the subsequent six years, the Welsh star spent the majority of his time away from Stamford Bridge on various loan spells. These included stints at RB Leipzig in Germany, Sheffield United, Spezia in Italy, and Venezia, also in Italy. Despite making 12 appearances for Chelsea, primarily as a defender, Ampadu never managed to secure a regular spot in the first team, ultimately leading to his departure in 2023.
Thriving at Leeds United
Ampadu responded to his Chelsea exit with remarkable resilience, captaining Leeds United to the Championship title last season and continuing to excel upon their promotion to the Premier League. Under the guidance of manager Daniel Farke, Leeds were initially tipped for relegation but have since built a six-point cushion above the drop zone with 11 games remaining. Ampadu has been instrumental in this success, featuring in all but three of Leeds' Premier League matches this campaign.
His performance in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Aston Villa particularly caught the eye of pundits. Micah Richards, speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, expressed his admiration, stating, "Ethan Ampadu, oh my word. His energy, his football intelligence, his technique. Do you remember him early doors at Chelsea? It was so different at Chelsea because he was a centre-half who was good on the ball, now he's playing centre-midfield and dictating play. He's been amazing."
Lineker and Shearer Add Their Praise
Gary Lineker echoed these sentiments, noting, "Everyone was talking and raving about him weren't they and then he disappeared a little bit in terms of his reputation. I saw one or two people saying they weren't sure about him but I've been really impressed with him this season." Additionally, Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer praised Ampadu for his "brilliant" display against Aston Villa, further highlighting the player's impact.
Richards also commended Leeds' overall form, adding, "They're creating chances, they defend well, they're entertaining to watch, Daniel Farke has done a really good job there." This collective praise underscores the significant transformation Ampadu has undergone since leaving Chelsea.
Ampadu's Reflections on His Chelsea Exit
In a recent interview, Ampadu reflected on his departure from Chelsea, revealing that he felt he could have remained at the club as a fourth-choice midfielder. However, he prioritized his development and sought more consistent game-time. "For my development, it was better to play," Ampadu explained. "I was never really phased or bothered if it was abroad. It wasn't just Chelsea pushing, it was an open conversation over what was best."
Despite interest from several clubs, Ampadu expressed contentment with his move to Leeds, stating, "The project they had, the boss told me where I could improve. It felt right, it felt like it fit after speaking to him. It's worked out well, Leeds feels like home." This sense of belonging has clearly translated into his performances on the pitch.
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, Ampadu's Leeds are set to face title contenders Manchester City this weekend, while his former club Chelsea will take on Premier League leaders Arsenal. These fixtures will provide further opportunities for Ampadu to demonstrate why his £7 million transfer fee is now being viewed as a potential bargain for Leeds and a missed opportunity for Chelsea.
The story of Ethan Ampadu serves as a compelling narrative of resilience and reinvention in professional football. From a peripheral figure at Chelsea to a cornerstone of Leeds United's midfield, his journey highlights the importance of finding the right environment for growth and success. As pundits continue to debate the wisdom of Chelsea's sale, Ampadu's performances remain a testament to his talent and determination.
