Leeds United beat Serie A and Bundesliga clubs to sign ‘exceptional’ player last summer
Everything seems to be working at the moment. Djed Spence aside, every new signing of the Farke era has worked – even Karl Darlow is a very solid back-up. Morale, finances – it all seems to be good for us.
On the pitch, Leeds are excelling and entered the international break in first place in the Championship with eight games left to play. A huge part of that, is the reliability – and durability – of Ethan Ampadu.
Serie A and Bundesliga clubs wanted Leeds star Ethan Ampadu
The 23-year-old has been utterly sensational for Leeds. Not only has his form been superb, whether that is in defence or in midfield – but his ability to wave goodbye to any form of tiredness is remarkable.
On Tuesday night, when Wales take on Poland in a Euro 2024 play-off final, Ampadu will have clocked up 50 appearances for club and country, in all competitions. For £7m, Ampadu is an incredible signing.
But not just because of his value, but because of the teams we beat to land his signature. Phil Hay says in his latest piece with The Athletic that two mid-table clubs in Serie A were interested in signing him.
That comes after impressing for two years in Italy with Spezia and Venezia. Connections between his agents and Dietmar Hamann also saw Bundesliga clubs become interested in the Wales midfielder.
Leeds pulled off a real coup in getting Ampadu in summer
Ampadu then, has not only been an incredible signing because because of his form for Leeds – in terms of his ability to keep on playing and his quality on the pitch. But because Leeds beat clubs to his signing.
There could be more interest in Ampadu come the summer given how well he has played for Leeds. But, if Leeds and The 49ers know what is good for the club – then keeping Ampadu is “exceptional” pivotal.
Promotion looks more and more likely as Ampadu is currently preparing for Tuesday’s clash against Poland and if Leeds are to stand any chance of retaining first place in the table, we need him to stay fit.
A huge game for Ampadu is ahead on Tuesday night, and then a quick turnaround on Friday when we go to Watford in the first of eight remaining League games. More will be asked of him, than ever before.
