Frank Lampard has admitted Chelsea will look at the possibility of letting Ethan Ampadu leave on loan this summer.
The Wales international did not travel to Japan for the club’s pre-season tour as there is a belief that he would benefit from regular first-team football elsewhere as he continues his development.
Speaking to the media (via the club’s official website), Lampard said: “Ethan’s not injured.
“We are looking at the possibility of Ethan going on loan for the season. I tried to sign Ethan on loan at Derby last year so I’m a big fan, but with the minutes he played last year, in the interest of Ethan and of Chelsea, the idea he can play a lot of games somewhere could be good for him. That’s not done yet but we haven’t brought him here while that’s up in the air.
“I really wanted to work with Ethan this year. That’s a slight disappointment, but it’s to benefit of him. In midfield and defence we have a lot of quality, so each player is a case by case.”
A loan might be in Ampadu’s best interests this summer. He broke into the team under Antonio Conte back in the 2017/18 and has since gone on to make 12 appearances for the Blues. However, his career at Stamford Bridge appeared to stall last season though during Maurizio Sarri’s tenure, as he managed to get just five outings (Transfermarkt).
The teenager is highly regarded by plenty of personnel within the football world as many of them have lavished praise on his abilities in the past.
Conte admitted he thought Ampadu could have a great future ahead of him if he continued to work hard and improve.
Speaking to The Independent, he said: “If you remember, I spoke about this player in an enthusiastic way. I said in the past that this player, despite his young age, has shown great maturity. I don’t like to make gifts for someone. If they deserve it, I’m ready to play with very young players. Why not. Ampadu deserved to play this game and against Everton and against Huddersfield [Town] in the league. Now he has to stay calm.
“Maybe next game, he’ll go to play for the youth league. I don’t know. But this player is very humble. He could have a great future, but he has to continue in this way, to improve and to work.”
Wales manager, Ryan Giggs, told BBC Sport that he was a manager’s dream and someone he thinks can achieve whatever he wants.
“It’s hard not to get carried away with Ethan because I think he can be anything he wants to be,” said of the defender or midfielder. But he is only 18 and he’s not playing regularly, so you have to take that into account. But what a player and character to have – a manager’s dream. That’s fantastic to see. I know that he loves coming away and playing for his country, and that’s a massive plus for me.”
It would not be a surprise if there were plenty of sides interested in acquiring Ampadu this summer after learning about his availability.
Aston Villa were reportedly thought to have been keen on acquiring the defender earlier in the transfer window (Guardian), although it is debatable as to whether they will still be keen after all the recruits they have managed to acquire so far (Sky Sports).
The 18-year-old is approaching a critical stage of his career, whereby he needs to be playing regularly and it makes complete sense for Lampard to look to try and find him an opportunity to get those chances in the upcoming campaign.
Chelsea fans, do you think it is right that the club are looking to let Ampadu go on loan this summer? Let us know your thoughts by sharing them in the comments section below!
