Thomas Tuchel will allow Ethan Ampadu to leave Chelsea this month with Premier League rivals Newcastle United looking to strike a loan deal for the Wales international, as reported by the Northern Echo.
The unexpected emergence of Trevoh Chalobah at Stamford Bridge should act as an inspiration for every budding youngster looking to force his way into a star-studded first-team squad in west London.
Chalobah won the UEFA Super Cup on his Chelsea debut before marking his maiden Premier League appearance with a long-range rocket in Saturday’s 3-0 thrashing of Crystal Palace. Even Cinderella herself may consider this rags-to-riches tale too saccharine.
So who’s to say Ampadu doesn’t have a future at Chelsea, even as a man relegated with Sheffield United last season prepares to leave the European Champions on yet another short-term deal?
Thiago Silva (36) and N’Golo Kante (30) aren’t getting any younger, after all.
So Ampadu, a versatile, intelligent footballer who plays with a confidence and poise that belies his tender years, could still have a future at the club even though Frank Lampard, who described him as a “fantastic talent”, is long gone.
Notwithstanding Chalobah, Tuchel has largely relied on experienced, tried-and-trusted members of his Chelsea squad since taking over in January.
Newcastle need a defensive midfielder, and Ampadu could be just the man
And, according to The Echo, the former PSG boss has made it clear 20-year-old Ampadu will be allowed to leave after Newcastle enquired about a short-term loan deal.
A superb reader of the game and equally comfortable at centre-half, Ampadu could be the aggressive, energetic, ball-winning defensive midfielder Steve Bruce has been crying out for since late 2019.
And after being priced out of deals for the likes of Jens Cajuste, Ampadu looks like a fine alternative – blessed with Premier League experience and available for nothing.
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