Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has confirmed that Ethan Ampadu will be loaned out this season.
The Wales international was not on the plane out to Japan, and when asked about the whereabouts of the teenager, the Blues boss replied:
“Ethan is not here as we’re looking at the possibility of him 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, I have to think of the bigger picture and the interests of Ethan and of Chelsea.”
“The idea that he could play a lot of games somewhere is good for him and we haven’t brought him here while that is up in the air.”
Fans on Twitter are backing Lampard’s decision on Ampadu with most believing he needs more game time:
Great decision imo. He not goona play ahead of a Jorginho and i don’t think he’ll play even in the cup. We still got Kovacic who’s much better than him
— Lamps (@LampardLegacy8) 16 July 2019
Well when he puts it that way, it makes sense.
— Kẹ̀hindé Wiley ?? (@ThisIsKennys) 16 July 2019
Do him the world of good
— Colin Perkins (@ColinPerkins20) 16 July 2019
@EthanAmpadu_44 not a bad decision from the manager knowing that you didn’t get much game time last season #ChelseaFC #CFCJapan
— kasongo (@Kasongo_K2) 16 July 2019
Yep. He needs it! Good decision.
— δανϵ ͷϵϴ ? (@DaVeNeO) 16 July 2019
Wow really
— BerryVybez? (@Mubzyberry12) 16 July 2019
This is good for Ampadu. He needs consistent game time.
— David Marshall (@Emikaze_) 16 July 2019
That does sound a sensible development. Playing time for him will be critical at this age at a higher level than U23 level. Sure he will do well.
— Hugh Betterton (@hughb4148) 16 July 2019
Good option. Nice move, he needs to play alot and get more minutes for himself next season. Best of luck @ethanamp4
— IJAIYA MUBARAQ (@mbijaiya) 16 July 2019
A loan to another Premier League club is a possibility with Aston Villa reportedly interested in the 18-year-old.
Lampard’s former club Derby County are also likely to be in the frame with owner Mel Morris having already stated that they are keen to continue working with the Blues going forward in terms of loan deals.
Ampadu struggled with injuries for the most part last season, and only managed two FA Cup and three Europa League appearances under previous boss Maurizio Sarri.
The Welshman will be hoping for regular matches this campaign as he looks to develop his game further.