CHELSEA’S longest serving player is on the verge of a move to the Championship.
The move has been hailed as “terrific ambition” by fans of the side he is close to joining.
Ethan Ampadu became the Blues’ longest serving player earlier this summer following the departure of Cesar Azpilicueta.
The versatile defender has been on the books at Stamford Bridge for six years, having signed from Exeter City in 2017.
However, he has not played for the club for five-and-a-half years and now looks set to leave after entering the final year of his contract.
According to The Athletic, Leeds United are close to signing Ampadu, with talks between the two clubs over a permanent deal ongoing.
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The potential transfer has excited fans of the recently relegated side ahead of their return to the Championship.
One supporter tweeted: “Shows terrific ambition does this. Getting excited now!”
Another commented: “What a start.”
A third fan added: “Amazing signing.”
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Meanwhile, one more also wrote: “Out of nowhere, love it.”
Ampadu has made 12 first-team appearances for Chelsea, although just one of those came in the Premier League.
He has spent the last four seasons out on loan, with spells at RB Leipzig, Sheffield United, Venezia and Spezia.
The last three of those seasons have all seen Ampadu relegated with his temporary club.
Still just 22, he already has 43 caps for Wales and was in their squads for the Euros and World Cup in recent years.
A versatile addition to the Leeds squad, Ampadu can play at both centre-back and as a defensive midfielder.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
