The next Ampadu: Leeds accelerating move to sign £100k-p/w "creative force"
da 888： It has been a busy summer for Leeds United already, who have put a real focus on improving their squad in defence. Three defensive players have already left, with Junior Firpo’s contract expiring, Maximilian Wober joining Werder Bremen on loan, and Rasmus Kristensen leaving permanently, although he hasn’t played for Leeds for a couple of seasons.
da mrbet： To replace them, centre-back Jaka Bijol, arguably Leeds’ marquee addition this summer, has signed from Udinese. They have also brought in central defender Sebastiaan Bornauw and signed left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson from French side Lille.
However, the Swedish defender is not the only left-back the Whites are seemingly set to sign this summer, with another player in his position lined up.
Leeds’ next defensive signing
There is a clear focus from Daniel Farke’s side on improving defensive fortunes this season, after all three relegated sides conceded at least 80 goals in the 2024/25 campaign. Well, the next defensive player they have lined up will bring bags of Premier League experience.
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According to a new article from Football Insider, as reported by scout-turned-transfer guru Mick Brown, Leeds are believed to be accelerating a move for Chelsea and England international defender Ben Chilwell this summer.
This will not be an easy deal for Farke’s side to complete, with the Yorkshire outfit set to contest the other two promoted sides, Sunderland and Burnley, with West Ham United also interested.
In the report, insider Mick Brown explains that any deal could ‘depend on how much Chelsea are asking for or what his wage demands are’, with a price yet to be confirmed. As for a wage, Chilwell earns £100k-per-week at Stamford Bridge, and it remains to be seen if Leeds can, or will, match that.
Why Chilwell would be a good signing
Last season was not the easiest ride for Chilwell, who fell out of favour with Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca and ended up going out on loan to Crystal Palace. The campaign ended well for the 28-year-old, though, with his temporary side lifting the FA Cup.
Despite tasting FA Cup success, there was certainly a lack of involvement for Chilwell in South London. He only made one Chelsea appearance and a further nine for Crystal Palace, totalling just 440 minutes, the equivalent of 4.8 full 90-minute games.
Yet, despite a lack of involvement last term, the defender brings bags of experience, having made 177 top-flight appearances and won some huge accolades, including the Champions League.
He is also a “creative force”, as Statman Dave said, with 20 Premier League assists and 13 goals to his name. That included this sublime strike for Leicester City against Watford in 2020.
This is highlighted by the fact that, for a seven-season period between 2017/18 and 2023/24, the England international created double-figure chances per season, as per Sofascore.
His highest was in 2018/19 for the Foxes, when he created 45 chances, and his lowest, 11 in 2021/22, was a campaign where he played just seven games.
Chilwell PL chance created numbers over 7-year period
Season
Chances created (per 90)
Big chances created
Assists
2017/18
22 (1.1)
4
2
2018/19
45 (1.3)
2
4
2019/20
35 (1.3)
5
3
2020/21
30 (1.2)
2
5
2021/22
11 (1.8)
1
1
2022/23
21 (1.3)
1
2
2023/24
14 (1.7)
3
1
Stats from Sofascore
Leeds have a good recent history when it comes to signing players from Chelsea, too. A man who Farke considered his “most important player”, Ethan Ampadu, also swapped West London for West Yorkshire back in 2023 after several loan spells.
Well, the Whites’ boss said it himself, Ampadu is pivotal to this Leeds side and their recent success. Although he has struggled with injuries, the Wales international has notched up 86 appearances in a Leeds shirt, playing as both a number six and a centre-back.
Whilst he doesn’t score many, he’s even managed to bag twice and assist the same number of goals. Having been cast aside back at Stamford Bridge, the 24-year-old has more than found a home for himself at Elland Road. Perhaps Chilwell can do the same?
If the signing of Chilwell is half as successful as that of Ampadu, then surely this is a good addition for the Whites. How they would love him to become their new version of the versatile Welshman, and help the club stay in the Premier League.
If the price and wage request is fair, then this is a deal which will add attacking quality and experience to their side.
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