Why Ethan Ampadu transfer at Leeds United was pivotal for both parties
Ethan Ampadu says he finally felt like he had found a home at Leeds United following his permanent move from Chelsea.
Ampadu signed for Chelsea from Exeter City in 2017 as a precocious talent, but he never really got a chance to shine with the Blues.
Loan spells at RB Leipzig, Sheffield United, Venezia, and Spezia followed over the years before he made a £7million switch to Elland Road in the summer of 2023.
Since then, the 25-year-old has become a fan favourite under Daniel Farke, with Ampadu playing a huge role in their Championship-winning campaign and their efforts to stay in the Premier League this season.
Now, the Welsh international has spoken candidly about finally finding the right match with Leeds.
Ethan Ampadu opens up on ‘turning point’ in his career
Ahead of Leeds’ Premier League clash with Manchester City at Elland Road on Saturday, Ampadu spoke about the decision to move to then-Championship side Leeds nearly three years ago.
The midfielder, who can also play at centre-back, had suffered three straight relegations with Sheffield United, Venezia, and Spezia, and while he played a lot, a new challenge was sought out.
Finally, after being something of a young journeyman, Ampadu joined Leeds permanently on a four-year deal. Now, 111 appearances and three goals later, he is Leeds’ captain and talisman.
His qualities were plain to see on Saturday in the 1-1 draw at Aston Villa, as this Sofascore graphic illustrates, and it is clear that Ampadu is finally settled after years of searching for stability.
When asked what the most pivotal moment of his career was, he said on the Official Leeds United Podcast: “I’m very grateful for all the experiences and loans I’ve had, because they were opportunities to play football.
“But when I came here, it was a permanent move – to settle somewhere and really play – and I think that was definitely a turning point.
“You can go somewhere on loan and give everything to the club you’re at, but it always feels a little different because, at the end of the season, you’re going back to your parent club. Here, though, it felt like everyone was aligned to the same goal. It feels like home.”
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Leeds owe Ampadu as much as he owes Leeds
When Ampadu signed for Leeds in July 2023, the club was in a right mess.
The 49ers Enterprises’ takeover from Andrea Radrizzani was still dragging on, and Leeds had to deal with a host of relegation clauses following their demotion to the Championship.
Players were leaving left, right, and centre as they sought to flee the sinking Leeds ship. The side that took on Birmingham City in August 2023 didn’t look like it was going anywhere.
And at a time when leadership and professionalism were lacking during a difficult and topsy-turvy time at Leeds, Ampadu came through with flying colours.
Yes, Ampadu needed a club to call his own for more than just a season, but he was a player his teammates could rally around – the standard-bearer Farke needed.
Last season, the German repeatedly put the Welshman in his starting XI even though he wasn’t 100 per cent fit, safe in the knowledge he would do a job in midfield or defence.
After proving to be one of the best players in the Championship, he has made the step up to the Premier League. It took a bit of time to find his feet, but now he is the player Leeds fans look to.
If he stays fit, Leeds have a much better chance of survival. So far, Ampadu and the Whites have been a match made in heaven.
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