Leeds United can return to the Premier League at the first attempt, according to Robbie Savage, who explains why the Whites have acquired the transfer deal of the season in Ethan Ampadu.
When Daniel Farke arrived to rescue a team in upheaval and back in the second division after three seasons in the Premier League, the Whites were in a state of disorder. With a slew of players leaving Leeds due to clauses in their contracts imposed by the previous regime that allowed them to leave on loan if Leeds were relegated, Farke and Co had less than six weeks before the season began to assemble a Leeds squad capable of mounting a promotion challenge.
Farke, a two-time Championship winner with Norwich, set about reassembling a team that today appears nearly unrecognisable from the one that was relegated from the Premier League in May.
Farke was able to bring in nine summer recruits, which helped Leeds in their time of need. And the German’s first signing, the capture of versatile Wales sensation Ampadu from Chelsea, has undoubtedly proven to be the greatest.
Indeed, the 23-year-old had led a nomadic existence prior to joining the Whites, having been relegated in each of his three previous loan spells with Sheffield United, Venezia, and Spezia.
Ampadu can also play as a central defender and a holding midfielder. When Ampadu signed for Leeds, Farke made it clear that he would play as a No 6 – a decision that has paid off handsomely, with Ampadu not missing a single minute of their 1,080 Championship minutes played so far.
Leeds midfielder Ethan Ampadu is dubbed the ‘bargain of the season’ by Savage.
Now, ahead of Leeds‘ midweek trip to Stoke, where they can secure their sixth win in seven games, Planet Sport ambassador Savage has told TEAMtalk why he considers Ampadu to be one of the best signings of the summer transfer window.
“Ethan Ampadu – I am a huge fan of his,” Savage stated. “He’s been out on loan a few times, but now he’s got his permanent move to Leeds, and I think for the money they paid – and the figure suggested is £7 million – it’s an absolute bargain for Leeds United – one of the signings of the season.” The manner Daniel Farke likes to play is ideal for bringing out the most in him.
“I know he plays in that defensive midfield role with the likes of Glen Kamara and Archie Grey to compliment him, so the dynamic of that midfield drives them forward.”
Ampadu recently inspired Wales to a key 2-1 win against Croatia in a Euro 2024 qualifier, and Savage believes he dominated two of the finest in the world in Mateo Kovacic and Luka Modric.
“Ampadu has brought that form to the international stage with Wales.” His performance versus Croatia was outstanding. He held his own as a No. 6 against Kovacic and Modric, two very outstanding players, and he was the best player on the pitch.
“Listen, Ampadu and Leeds United are a perfect match.” Leeds United are a terrific football team, a large football club with a devoted fanbase, and they are now third in the Championship with a real chance of regaining their place.
“However, for Ethan Ampadu, playing regular football will benefit not only him, but Wales and, most importantly, Leeds United.” So, at £7 million, you’ve had to say he’s one of the season’s steals so far.”
Savage exposes a small Leeds United transfer miss Savage has suffered dog’s abuse from the Leeds terraces during his career in the game, in part because of his bleached blonde hair, but more so because of his association with arch-rivals Manchester United.
Now, the 49-year-old has admitted, possibly jokingly, that part of their resentment stems from their inability to recruit Savage as a player.
When Emma Jones asked if Robbie Savage was okay because “he’d just complimented Leeds United,” Savage said, “Listen, it’s a huge football club.” Yes, I get some flak there – we both know that – but it’s not my fault they couldn’t persuade me to play for them and increase the size of the football club by having me there!”
Jones said, chuckling, “What a lucky escape that was!”
Leeds could cut the gap on Ipswich to three points if they win at Stoke, with the Tractor Boys travelling to Ashton Gate to face Bristol City.
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