Chelsea’s Ethan Ampadu gestures during the FA Cup Third Round match against Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge, London January 5, 2019. — Picture by Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs
LONDON, July 22 — Chelsea defender Ethan Ampadu has joined RB Leipzig on a season-long loan, the Premier League club said today.
Ampadu, 18, struggled for first-team opportunities at Stamford Bridge last season and will be looking to build on a bright start to his senior career, having already made eight appearances for Wales.
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard, who had attempted to secure the versatile youngster while at Derby last season, said Ampadu needed a clearer path to continue his development.
“I tried to sign Ethan on loan at Derby last year, so I’m a big fan. But with the minutes he played last year, in the interest of Ethan and of Chelsea, the idea he can play a lot of games somewhere could be good for him,” Lampard told the club website.
“I really wanted to work with Ethan this year. That’s a slight disappointment, but it’s to benefit him.” — Reuters
