Leeds United have agreed a deal with Chelsea to sign 22-year-old centre-back Ethan Ampadu for £7m plus add-ons, as per Fabrizio Romano.
Wales international Ampadu has been at Chelsea since 2017 and spent the 2022-23 season on loan at Serie A side Spezia. He has been attracting interest from multiple clubs looking to sign him this summer, but has now agreed to join the Whites.
Chelsea will receive a £7m fee guaranteed, plus add-ons for the Welsh centre-back, who can also play in defensive midfield. They have included a sell-on clause in the contract with Leeds United.
Ampadu has an agreement in place with Leeds United on personal terms and is keen on the move despite being tipped for a place in Chelsea’s preseason tour.
Leeds United set to make Ethan Ampadu first major signing
Following their relegation from the Premier League last season, Leeds United are undergoing a rebuild under Daniel Farke. The Whites have lost several star players and have turned to vastly experienced 22-year-old Ampadu as their first addition.
Ampadu made his debut for Chelsea aged just 16, but went on to make only 11 more competitive appearances for the club as his versatility worked against him. The Welshman is capable of playing at centre-back or in defensive midfield, and has spent four spells on loan at RB Leipzig, Sheffield United, Venezia and Spezia.
The Wales international has played 43 times for his country, including in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2020. He made 34 appearances for Spezia as they were relegated from Serie A, and will now join Leeds as they look for an instant return to the Premier League.
