By Dan Carter

25th Oct, 2023 | 3:10pm

Robbie Savage stunned by Ethan Amapdu with 'huge' new Leeds United verdict

Robbie Savage has revealed that he is a “huge fan” of Ethan Ampadu and believes that Leeds United got an “absolute bargain” when signing him this summer.

The Welsh international was Daniel Farke’s first signing since arriving at Elland Road, joining for a reported £7 million from Chelsea after a string of loan spells away from Stamford Bridge and has impressed in the early stages of the campaign.

Ampadu has started all 12 of the Whites’ Championship matches operating as a holding midfielder just ahead of the backline and Savage believes that the 23-year-old is one of the signings of the season.

Speaking to TEAMTalk (25 October) he said: “Ethan Ampadu – I am a huge fan of his. He’s been out on loan a few times but now he’s got his permanent move to Leeds and I think for the money they paid – and £7m is the figure suggested – it’s an absolute bargain for Leeds United – one of the signings of the season. 

“The way Daniel Farke wants to play is perfect to get the best out of him. I know he plays in that defensive midfield role with the likes of Glen Kamara and Archie Gray to compliment him, so the dynamic of that midfield drives them forward.

“Ampadu and Leeds United are perfect for one another. Leeds United are a fantastic football club, a big football club, a passionate fanbase and they’re third in the Championship with a real opportunity of bouncing back.

“But for Ethan Ampadu, to be playing regular football, not only will it benefit him, it’ll benefit Wales and most of all, Leeds United. So at £7m, you’ve got to say so far he’s one of the bargains of the season.”

Absolute bargain

It’s hard to argue with Savage’s verdict that the signing of Ampadu has served to be anything less than an “absolute bargain” as the Welsh international is seemingly going from strength to strength under Farke’s management at Elland Road.

While many expected him to arrive and be defensively astute, few would have expected him to take to life in the Championship with such relative ease and he has proven to be integral to Leeds United’s excellent start to the season.

It speaks volumes that while Gray, Kamara and even the lesser spotted Ilia Gruev have been rotated in and out of the side so far this season, Ampadu has been an ever-present and appears to be one of the first names on Farke’s teamsheet for every game.

So much of the credit for the Whites’ good start to the season has been directed at the attacking talent in the side and rightly so as they have been a joy to watch, but none of those players would be able to flourish in the manner which they have without the defensive performances of the likes of Ampadu.

In other Leeds United news, Farke may have suggested that Archie Gray could once again start for the Whites against Stoke City