Former Chelsea WONDERKID reveals why he left Stamford Bridge

Tom Weber

• 24 Jul 2023 17:20 BST
• 3 min read

Ethan Ampadu has revealed why he decided to move on from Chelsea this summer.

The Wales international was once one of the most highly-rated prospects in Chelsea's youth system after joining from boyhood club Exeter City as a teenager in 2017, but he struggled to reach the level required to get into the senior squad.

Indeed, the soon-to-be 23-year-old only made 12 first-team appearances during his six years at Stamford Bridge, spending most of the last four seasons out on loan with RB Leipzig, Sheffield United, Venezia and most recently Spezia in Serie A. Despite scoring in the relegation tie-breaker, he couldn't keep Spezia in the Italian top flight.

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Now, he begins a new chapter in his career with relegated Leeds United after joining for €8.1m. Speaking to the press, he revealed why he left Chelsea.

What did Ampadu say?

“I think as soon as I had spoken with Chelsea," Ampadu said, "and we all knew our future plans, then it was pretty soon. I needed it. I got what I got out of the loans."

"I'm very grateful for the opportunities I got," he continued. "But now's the time to settle myself, stabilise and I think that's the best way to progress."

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Ampadu isn't the only one at Leeds keen on stability. New boss Daniel Farke has experienced a turbulent two years. After being sacked by Norwich, he joined Krasnodar in Russia but eventually left following the outbreak of the war, ultimately ending up at Borussia Monchengladbach - his first job in the Bundesliga - where he only lasted one season.

Having led Norwich twice to the Premier League, Leeds will be hoping that Farke can work his Championship magic again and that the versatile Ampadu, the first signing under new ownership, can be a vital cog in their midfield or defence.