Leeds United’s £7m deal to sign Ethan Ampadu from Chelsea in 2023 has become one of the club’s best negotiations in recent history.
The Welsh star quickly emerged as a leader in the Leeds dressing room under Daniel Farke and one of his most trusted generals on the pitch.
He was officially made Leeds captain in 2024, and he has led the club on and off the pitch as they secured promotion to the Premier League in 2025.
His game has gone to another level in the top flight, and Leeds moved fast to secure his long-term future by tying him down to a new contract in the summer.
Ampadu’s success at Leeds has also caused some heartburn at Chelsea, who lack that midfield presence beyond Moises Caicedo.
Read More: Former Leeds star stunned by Ethan Ampadu moment against Chelsea: “Unbelievable”
talkSPORT presenter brings Chelsea regret about Ethan Ampadu to the fore
Rory Jennings is a prominent face in the Chelsea fanbase in football media and a talkSPORT presenter.
The football media personality and Chelsea fan has conceded that Ampadu is often a topic of discussion in the Blues fanbase because of what he is doing at Leeds.
He admitted Ampadu has turned out to be the player he expected Reece James to be, and he loves the way he dictates the tempo in the middle of the park for Leeds.
Jennings said: “Do you know when I am watching Ethan Ampadu, and my Chelsea group is going off..
“And everyone is going, Ethan Ampadu is everything I want Reece James to be. Snapping into tackles, dictating the tempo and the rhythm and ready to have a fight.
“He is a brilliant player.”
“Ethan Ampadu is EVERYTHING I want Reece James to be” 👀
Is @Chelsearory right? pic.twitter.com/O0RxbeJ1RC
— William Hill (@WilliamHill) September 21, 2026
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Ampadu is now Leed through and through
Chelsea and Leeds share a tumultuous rivalry, but a Blues academy graduate has emerged as a cult hero at Elland Road in the last few years.
Ampadu is probably Daniel Farke’s most important player, and the Leeds manager has often rushed him back from injury to have him in the team.
He is Leeds’ captain on and off the pitch and the most credible voice in the dressing room. It is hard to imagine a Whites team not being led by Amapdu.
The Welshman has not only developed into one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League, but has also formed a deep connection with the fans.
In years to come, he is more than likely to be regarded as a Leeds legend who came from Chelsea.
