Chelsea have one of the best youth academies in the Premier League, but very few have been given an opportunity in the Blues’ first team. But that could all change in the 2019-20 season, thanks to the appointment of Frank Lampard as Chelsea manager as well as the transfer ban that has been enforced on them.
One highly-rated youngster that will not play a part in Chelsea’s campaign next year is 18-year-old Ethan Ampadu, who is set to leave the club for a short loan spell to gain some much-needed first-team football.
The Blues manager confirmed the young Welshman will go out on loan after not being included in Chelsea’s Asia tour squad.
Ampadu played just five games for Chelsea in the 2018-19 season, but could get more game time in the 2019-20 season if he moves away from Chelsea, with newly promoted side Aston Villa interested in signing him, as per talkSPORT.
The teenager was signed by Chelsea from Exeter City in 2017 and has impressed for the Blues’ reserves. Ampadu has already made 8 appearances for the Welsh national team despite being just 18 years of age.
Should Aston Villa make a move for Ethan Ampadu?
Ampadu is a versatile player who can play as a centre-back as well as a defensive midfielder, thanks to his composure, passing, and ability to intercept balls quickly.
The teenager is a player who can tackle and intercept the ball well, while also having the ability to move the ball around the pitch with his passing, as well as be in the right positions while defending.
Many have touted Ampadu to be a future Chelsea first-team player, and a loan spell at a Premier League side could do him good. Villa have signed four centre-backs so far – Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa, Kortney Hause, and Bjorn Engels.
However, adding Ampadu to the team could be a good move as Villa do not have too many options in the defensive midfield positions, with the likes of Conor Hourihane and John McGinn the only two options for manager Dean Smith.
Ampadu is a player with a lot of energy and determination on the pitch and he will want to prove his worth to the Chelsea team with some impressive performances for Villa, and the Lions should make a move to bring him on loan.