Exeter City receives seven-figure windfall from Leeds United amid done deal – BBC Sport
Ethan Ampadu’s transfer to Leeds United could see League One side Exeter City gain up to £1.7million, according to BBC Sport.
While the total amount is unknown, a tribunal awarded Exeter a 20 per cent share of any profits on a Chelsea sale of Ampadu, who came through the academy at St James Park and was sold to the West London club in 2017.
Ampadu’s transfer to Leeds was confirmed on Wednesday (19 July) [Leeds United] for £7million plus add-ons as he becomes Daniel Farke’s first summer signing.
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While £1.7million wouldn’t be a lot to Premier League Chelsea, to League One Exeter it could mean the difference between a good and bad transfer window.
The Grecians are owned by the Exeter City Supporter’s Trust, so can’t rely on a wealthy owner to bankroll them and must be self-sustainable to remain active and competitive.
The 22-year-old’s sell-on clause will be most useful in Exeter, whose finances and budget are much more performance-dependant and unreliable
“To have the drip of something that is coming in the future is very important to us,” Exeter City president Julian Tagg told BBC Sport.
“You never know when they’re coming, you can’t budget for it, but they’re always very welcome.”
It may also be reflective of Chelsea’s recent exodus of players, including Kalidou Koulibaly, Mason Mount and César Azpilicueta.
With Chelsea’s £600million spend last summer, their need to balance the books to keep in line with Financial Fair Play has forced their hand into many player sales [The Sun], with the Welsh international the latest to reduce the Blues’ wage bill and give them some extra cash.
Leeds United meanwhile will be happy to have signed an experienced, but young, versatile centre-back. £7million could prove shrewd business for the Championship side as they put all their chips on an immediate Premier League return.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has shared his verdict on the “very good” signing of Ampadu.