BBC pundit blown away as Phil Hay drops Chelsea defender Ethan Ampadu to Leeds United transfer update

Carlton Palmer has reacted to the recent news emerging from Leeds United regarding their pursuit to sign Chelsea defender Ethan Ampadu.

The Athletic’s Phil Hay claimed on 18 July that an agreement had been reached by the Whites and the Blues to sign the Wales international.

The move for the 22-year-old is now subject to a medical as the transfer fee and personal terms have been agreed upon.

Palmer, a BBC pundit, told Football League World [19 July], “Ethan Ampadu, the Welsh international, is close to signing for Leeds United. He had a year left on his contract at Chelsea, he’s still only 22, has won 40 caps for Wales.

“It is thought Ethan’s best position is as a defensive midfielder, but he can operate as a centre-back in either a two or a three.

“He’s a very good signing, he’s very versatile. I think Farke will operate him as a defensive midfielder because he’s an attack-minded manager, pushing the full-backs high up the pitch and having a player like Ethan allows this to happen.”

The 22-year-old was never given his due at Chelsea and that’s because of their transfer policy of just signing big names.

He’s viewed by many as a future Wales captain and his leadership at such a young age will be priceless for the Whites.

Tyler Adams is also similar in terms of being a leader despite being in his early 20s and Daniel Farke will enjoy having another personality in the dressing room.

Ampadu is capable of playing as a centre-back as well as a defensive midfielder and that is ideal as he can be invaluable during an injury crisis.

He can also be a key player in transition as it gives the manager the option of playing a fluid system and that can see Leeds dominate possession more than they normally do.

Farke, unlike Big Sam and Javi Gracia, likes to play on the front foot and a change in the playing style is very likely to be seen next season.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites have now reached a personal agreement to secure a multi-million signing this summer.