Transfer News: Chelsea keen on keeping 20-year-old starlet amid Newcastle interest

Transfer News: Chelsea want to keep Ethan Ampadu this season despite Newcastle United interest

According to a report by Goal.com (h/t football.london), Chelsea want to keep Ethan Ampadu at Stamford Bridge this season despite interest from Newcastle United.

The Magpies’ interest, reported by Wales Online (h/t football.london), would have been for a loan deal. But the Blues may well keep the Welshman in West London, at least for the season ahead.

The 20-year-old centre-back has always had first-team chances hard to come by. Of course, he is just 20, but he has seen first-team action mostly when he has been loaned out.

Ampadu has spent time out on loan at RB Leipzig, and Sheffield United. He was a crucial part of Chris Wilder’s squad last season but could not save the club from being relegated.

What next for Ampadu?

As for Chelsea, the youngster only has seven starts in all competitions. Things could be different this season, however, as Thomas Tuchel has shown with Trevoh Chalobah that he can give young defenders a chance.

The English international, much like Ampadu, can play in defensive midfield as well as a centre-back. And the versatility and depth offered by the Welshman, who represented his country at 2020 UEFA Euros, could be beneficial for Chelsea this season.

He may have seen more playing time at St. James’ Park, granted the Toons were able to sign him. But if the German manager wants him at Chelsea, then he should be open to giving him a fair bit of exposure to senior football.

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Otherwise, it would make little sense to keep him when he could be gathering crucial experience out on loan. However, only time will tell where Ampadu plays his football next month.