First summer signing announced for Leeds United
Fans have been waiting for this!
The moment Leeds United fans have been waiting for, the first summer signing!
Wales international Ethan Ampadu has joined The Whites from Chelsea on a four-year deal.
The defender, who can also play in midfield, is the club's first summer signing since their relegation from the Premier League.
Leeds United said:
"Leeds United are delighted to announce the signing Ethan Ampadu, in a permanent transfer.
"The versatile defender, who can also operate in midfield, joins the club from Chelsea for an undisclosed fee.
"The 22-year-old has penned a four-year deal at Elland Road, running until the summer of 2027.
"Ampadu came through the ranks with Exeter City and became the youngest ever player to play for their first team, making his debut at the age of 15, in August 2016.
"After making 13 appearances for the Grecians, in the summer of 2017 he was snapped up by Premier League side Chelsea and went on to make his debut in the EFL Cup against Nottingham Forest in September of the same year.
"Two months later, at the age of 17, Ampadu made his full international debut for Wales, against France.
"Over the past four seasons, he has spent time away from Chelsea on loan, firstly with RB Leipzig in the German Bundesliga.
"He returned to England with Sheffield United for the 2021/22 campaign, featuring 25 times for the Blades in the Premier League.
"In the last two campaigns, Ampadu has made 60 appearances in Italy’s Serie A, for Venezia and Spezia.
"At international level, following his debut back in 2017, Ampadu has gone on to amass a total of 44 caps for his country.
"He played a key role as Wales qualified for UEFA Euro 2020 and helped the Dragons make history, when in June 2022, they qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1958.
"Ampadu played three times in UEFA Euro 2020, helping Wales reach the last 16 of the tournament, whilst in Qatar at the FIFA World Cup 2022, also made three outings.
"He becomes the club’s first signing of the summer transfer window and could feature for the first time in Saturday’s pre-season friendly with AS Monaco at the LNER Community Stadium."