The Evening Standard’s Nizaar Kinsella tweeted on 18 July that the Wales international is en route to Leeds to complete his medical and sign the contract after a £7million fee plus £3million in add-ons was agreed on 17 July
Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds about the potential signing of Ampadu, the BBC Wales football correspondent made the prediction that the 22-year-old will be a “future Wales captain”.
That is how highly he’s rated and he’s sort of matured in the Wales squad,” added Phillips. “I don’t think many Wales fans would quibble with this, I’d say he’s been Wales’ best player, certainly during the World Cup, which was so disappointing in Qatar, but since then as well.
“He rarely puts a foot wrong for Wales – a real player of quality. His versatility will be very handy and, frankly, if you’re getting him for £7million plus add-ons, I think there are many Wales who will think that he should be playing Premier League.
“It hasn’t worked out for him at Chelsea, even though it turns out he’s their longest-serving player at the moment, even though I think he’s only played 12 times. That’s always befuddled us a little bit, but for the Championship, I’m sure Sheffield United fans would probably say the same, he was really good for them as well.
It’s quite clear that Phillips is a huge fan of Ampadu following the high praise he dished out for the versatile defender and it’s no surprise given how highly he’s thought of within the Wales national team setup.
He has played 43 times for his country since making his debut six years ago and there’s no doubt he will be in the mix to be the next captain once Aaron Ramsey steps aside in a few years.
Although he’s never played a game at Championship level, he’s earned some great experience playing abroad over the past couple of seasons – racking up 60 Serie A appearances on loan at Venezia and Spezia.
Ampadu has shown he’s got great versatility to play in midfield, but also just about anywhere along the backline – something that could be invaluable for a long season in the second tier.
He’s known for his leadership skills and tough-tackling, battling displays, so he could quickly become a fans’ favourite at Elland Road if the Whites manage to get a deal over the line.
In other Leeds United news, one exit-linked star has been offered to a Premier League club in a multi-million deal
Ampadu has shown he’s got great versatility to play in midfield, but also just about anywhere along the backline – something that could be invaluable for a long season in the second tier.
He’s known for his leadership skills and tough-tackling, battling displays, so he could quickly become a fans’ favourite at Elland Road if the Whites manage to get a deal over the line.
In other Leeds United news, one exit-linked star has been offered to a Premier League club in a multi-million deal.
