Chelsea defender Ethan Ampadu has completed a season-long loan move to Bundesliga side RB Leipzig. It will be the 18-year-old’s first loan move away from the Blues since joining from Exeter City two years go.
Ethan Ampadu Signs For RB Leipzig On Loan From Chelsea
Limited Game Time
After arriving from Exeter as a 16-year-old, it was never thought that Ampadu would go straight into the Chelsea side. However, fans have been slightly disappointed at the teenager’s lack of opportunities at Stamford Bridge, along with the other youngsters that rarely get a chance to shine at the club.
Ampadu failed to make a Premier League appearance last season, despite having signed a new five-year deal in September 2018. He did, though, become Chelsea’s youngest debutant when he appeared in the Carabao Cup, and he made his full international debut for Wales shortly after.
His season was cut short by a back problem and he missed the end of the season before the Europa League final.
Leipzig’s Gain
The Bundesliga side have acquired a young and hungry defender who has obvious talent. He adds depth to a defence that already features the likes of Willi Orban and Dayot Upamecano. However, Ampadu’s versatility also means that he can operate in a defensive midfield role, giving them depth in more than one position.
What They Said
On the move, Chelsea manager Frank Lampard told the club website: “I tried to sign Ethan on loan at Derby last year so I’m a big fan, but with the minutes he played last year, in the interest of Ethan and of Chelsea, the idea he can play a lot of games somewhere could be good for him.
“I really wanted to work with Ethan this year. That’s a slight disappointment, but it’s to benefit of him. In midfield and defence, we have a lot of quality, so each player is a case by case.”
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