Chelsea had a torrid campaign last season, and under Mauricio Pochettino, the Blues are struggling this time around as well.
The Blues did not finish in the top half of the Premier League table last season, and there is a very distinct possibility that they will not do so this time either.
Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly has spent millions and millions of pounds on new players and has created quite a big squad. A number of players are very young.
The former Premier League and UEFA Champions League winners, though, are struggling to compete with the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal. Chelsea are not even in the race for the top four.
While Chelsea’s policy in recent times has been to sign young and talented players, it is interesting that one of the players they let go last summer is now a star.
Ethan Ampadu flourishing at Leeds United after Chelsea exit
Chelsea sold Ethan Ampadu to Leeds United in the summer of 2024 for £7 million (The London Evening Standard).
Ampadu had been on the books of the Blues since 2017 when he joined from Exeter City. The 23-year-old, who can operate as a central defender or as a defensive midfielder, had loan spells at RB Leipzig, Sheffield United, Venezia and Spezia during his time at Stamford Bridge.
While many of Chelsea’s young players, such as Moises Caicedo, are struggling at the moment, Ampadu is going from strength to strength at Leeds.
Leeds are aiming to finish in the top two of the Championship table at the moment and are in a very good position to do so.
Daniel Farke’s side are at the top of the Championship table with 82 points from 38 matches, level on points with second-placed Leicester City, who have played 37 games. Ipswich Town in third have picked up 81 points from 38 games.
Ampadu has been one of Leeds’s best players this season. Since moving to the Whites on a permanent contract, he has taken his game to another level.
Key player for Leeds United
The Wales international has been used mainly as a defensive midfielder, but he has also played in central defence.
The 23-year-old has played in all 38 matches for Leeds in the Championship this season. He has given one assist in those games.
Ampadu is also playing a big role in Wales’s quest to qualify for the UEFA Euro 2024 finals. Rob Page’s side beat Finland 4-1 in their play-off semi-final in Cardiff on Thursday evening. The Leeds youngster was effective in his role, played some lovely passes, and created two chances.
Leaving Chelsea for Leeds for good has really helped Ampadu come into his own. Chelsea’s loss has been Leeds’s gain.