Nick Hammond was actually extremely significant in bringing a £7 million player to Leeds United in the summer

Nick Hammond has been one of Leeds United’s unsung heroes this season.

Hammond arrived last summer when there was still a lot of work to be done, both in terms of incomings and outgoings, to develop a group capable of pushing for promotion.

Despite a difficult start to the season, Leeds were able to release individuals who did not want to be here and replace them with nine fresh additions, the bulk of whom have been successful.

Gretar Steinsson was instrumental in bringing Joel Piroe to the club, and Angus Kinnear‘s link with Daniel Levy allowed Leeds to bring in Joe Rodon and the now-departed Djed Spence from Tottenham. However, Hammond may have made the finest deal of them all.

Hammond is important to the Ampadu deal.

According to the Athletic, Hammond was ‘hugely instrumental’ in Leeds’ ability to sign Ethan Ampadu from Chelsea for under £7 million.

Many people would rate Ampadu as Leeds‘ signing of the season, and paying that kind of amount for a player of his calibre makes it one of the best pieces of business the club has done in a long time.

Ampadu has played all but one minute of every league game this season, excelling in both defence and midfield and taking on the captain’s armband in the final two months.

 

Hammond had initially joined Leeds on a short-term contract to get through the summer, but the 49ers were so delighted with him that he was offered an extension. It’s simple to see why with this Ampadu promotion.