Credit: Tung Manh Phan

Richie Mills

Tue 24 March 2026 9:40, UK

Ethan Ampadu says it is no surprise that Wales teammate Harry Wilson is having a stellar season, in a case of what might have been for Leeds United.

As the summer transfer window deadline ticked down, Leeds ostensibly tried their utmost to sign Fulham star Wilson and even submitted a deal sheet to get the move over the line.

However, Fulham’s reported delaying tactics killed the deal, in what has proven to be one of the best decisions of the season, for them.

The 29-year-old has been one of the Premier League’s players of the season, in addition to topping Fulham’s scoring charts.

Wilson’s stock continues to rise as his Fulham contract enters its final months, but Leeds captain Ampadu has been aware of Wilson’s qualities for years.

Ethan Ampadu was ahead of the curve on Harry Wilson

Wilson has always had a pedigree. Indeed, it is hard not to have it when you come through Liverpool’s illustrious academy.

He never found his feet at the Reds, though, leading to loans at Crewe Alexandra, Hull City, Derby County, Bournemouth, Cardiff City, and Fulham, before joining the Cottagers permanently in 2022.

But it wasn’t truly until this season that he has made his mark in the Premier League.

He has a Sofascore rating of 7.21 for the season, has scored 10 goals despite his Expected Goals tally being down at 5.07, and he has created seven big chances.

Clubs are queuing up for his signature this summer, but Leeds skipper Ampadu said this quality has always been there from Wilson.

He told BBC Sport: “I’ve seen it for many years. We’ve all understood his quality. I don’t know whether it’s just because he is in his last year [at Fulham], so that might get more attention.

“But we’ve known he can do that anyway. For us, it is no surprise. I’m not sure why it’s taken the wider audience so long to realise. We are all very delighted for him.”

And just think what Leeds’ season would have looked like if Wilson had been banging in the goals and assists for Daniel Farke’s side.

Perhaps the 49ers Enterprises deserve some credit for pushing so hard to sign him, although they ultimately came up short.

Ampadu shining alongside Wilson

Ahead of Wales’ World Cup semi-final play-off against Bosnia on Thursday, it is worth noting that Ampadu has been able to make the step up in quality from the Championship to the Premier League.

There were concerns that the 25-year-old would be part of that liminal zone where players are too good for the English second tier but not good enough for the top-flight.

But so far, the midfielder has banished such talk after past struggles, becoming one of Leeds’ most important players in their relegation fight.

Ampadu impressed for Leeds against Brentford on Saturday, with fans naming him their man of the match in the goalless draw.

In that game, he made 13 defensive contributions in total, including seven recoveries, three tackles, two clearances, and an interception.

Ampadu also won eight duels, registered 99 touches, 66 passes, and carried the ball 222.8 metres.

Leeds will just hope he comes back in one piece as Wales try to secure their place at this summer’s World Cup.