Leeds United needed extra time in the replay at Home Park to score three goals to come back to West Yorkshire victorious, but they overcame a scare in Devon to defeat Plymouth Argyle 4-1 on Wednesday night in the FA Cup.
The victory was achieved despite Ethan Ampadu’s absence; the stalwart member of the Whites first team was granted a much-needed break following an outstanding season thus far in the Championship.
It’s a move that has truly paid off for both the second-tier team and Ampadu, who will now feel he has finally found a footballing home at Elland Road. Fundamental to the Leeds cause as a center-back and as a defensive midfielder when necessary.
The signing of Ethan Ampadu
Leeds officials may have had some second thoughts when they paid £7 million for Ampadu last summer. The 23-year-old left Chelsea after a turbulent period at Stamford Bridge during which the 6-foot star was frequently caught in a never-ending cycle of loans.
Having made appearances on loan for teams like Sheffield United and more left-field moves to Italy with Spezia and Venezia, Leeds thought they had struck gold when they were able to sign Ampadu to a long-term contract.
With Ampadu likely among the first names on the German manager’s teamsheet whenever he’s deciding on his next starting XI, the transfer now appears to have been an absolute masterstroke from Farke and co.
Ampadu, who has played every minute of this season for Leeds in the Championship, is a terrifying combination for opponents to handle because of his ability to pass the ball out from deep and his skill at charging into tackles and duels unfazed.
Ampadu has helped out in attacks this season and has created four big chances, so it’s not surprising that his market value has increased significantly since moving from Chelsea to Elland Road.
Only a few months after joining the team for £7 million, Ampadu’s value has more than doubled, and Leeds is thrilled with how well the Welshman has performed since relocating to West Yorkshire.
Ethan Ampadu’s increased value at Leeds
Leeds can feel very proud of their initial investment as the imperious figure of Ampadu now has a transfer value worth €18.5m (£15.7m), according to Football Transfers. According to the website’s expected transfer value model, that actually happens to be more than the silky Crysencio Summerville, with the Dutchman sitting at £8.4m.
It’s likely that a significant amount of money would need to be paid by either side to evict the child from Elland Road. In any case, the Whites cannot afford to lose money on their £40,000-a-week player and let him go anytime soon given how important Ampadu’s presence in the locker room is to the team’s chances of winning promotion automatically.
Ampadu was a defensive rock against Bristol City in Leeds’ most recent Championship match, teamed with the equally formidable Joe Rodon in the middle of the defence.
The Welshman was equally calm with the ball at his feet when the pressure increased with 93 touches in total at Ashton Gate. He blocked two shots in the game to help the Whites earn a clean sheet, their 12th of the Championship season thus far.
Leeds will be hoping that Ampadu, who this season was dubbed a “destroyer” by football journalist Graham Smyth, keeps turning in incredible performances as the Whites continue to roll up victories.
Even though Ampadu’s trying time at Chelsea had left him feeling unwelcome and lacking confidence, he might very well be a Premier League defender next season. He’s now an essential part of Farke’s Leeds machine.
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