Chelsea starlet Ethan Ampadu joins RB Leipzig on season-long loan transfer

CHELSEA starlet Ethan Ampadu has joined RB Leipzig on a season-long loan.

The 18-year-old has been at Stamford Bridge for two years since signing from Exeter City.

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Now the Welsh international, who can play in either defence or midfield, will continue his development in the German top-flight for the Champions League qualifiers.

Frank Lampard rates the teenager highly, and he spoke last week about the need for Ampadu to get regular action over the upcoming campaign.

The Blues boss said: "I tried to sign Ethan on loan at Derby last year so I’m a big fan, but with the minutes he played last year, in the interest of Ethan and of Chelsea, the idea he can play a lot of games somewhere could be good for him.

"I really wanted to work with Ethan this year. That’s a slight disappointment, but it’s to benefit him.

"In midfield and defence we have a lot of quality, so each player is a case by case."

Ampadu will wear the No.26 shirt at Leipzig and could make his first appearance for the Bundesliga side in Friday's friendly with Rennes.

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He is the third-youngest player to ever play for Chelsea after making his debut in September.

An international bow soon followed before he was ruled out from February until the end of the season with a back injury.

Ampadu has played 12 times for Chelsea with seven of them being starts.