Aston Villa opinion: Smith must sign Ethan Ampadu on loan

According to a report from the Guardian, newly-promoted Aston Villa are targeting a season-long loan move for Chelsea starlet, Ethan Ampadu. The Wales international, 18, played five times in the 2017/18 season and did not feature once in the Premier League under Maurizio Sarri.

Should Frank Lampard replace Sarri as the manager of Chelsea, he could be open to letting the versatile defender leave to get more experience if he cannot promise him regular game time next season.

Chelsea’s two-window transfer ban could play a crucial role here but the prospect of Ethan Ampadu playing regularly for the Blues next season looks unlikely, even if Lampard arrives at Stamford Bridge.

Thus, a move to Aston Villa would make complete sense—a deal that should be beneficial for all the parties involved.

The Villans have already been busy in the transfer window after securing promotion to the Premier League via the playoffs. They have already signed Wesley Moraes, Jota, Anwar El Ghazi and Kortney Hause.

Moraes became Villa’s record-signing, while the Midlands club turned El Ghazi and Hause’ loan spells permanently from Lille and Wolves respectively.

Dean Smith has barely put a foot wrong at Villa Park and he’ll need some more new faces if Aston Villa are set on remaining in the top-flight for more than just one season.

The Villa boss must focus on signing a defensive midfielder, following the club’s decision to release experienced duo Glenn Whelan and Mile Jedinak. And Ethan Ampadu is more than capable of playing in that role.

Villa will be getting a very talented footballer if they are able to secure the services of Ampadu on a loan deal this summer. The 18-year-old is one of the best young players around and can operate as a central defender or as a defensive midfielder.

He is very strong on the ball and has a good range of passing. The teenager can recycle possession and break up play and that combined with his versatility and work rate make him such a top prospect.

Given the style of football Villa play under Dean Smith, Ampadu would thrive at Villa Park and the fact that John Terry is part of the coaching staff should be tempting for the young Welsh midfielder.

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All in all, the 18-year-old would be a perfect replacement for Manchester United’s Axel Tuanzebe, who played a crucial role on loan in getting the club promoted.

Verdict

Whilst Villa are making some exciting signings in the transfer window, they still need to use the loan market smartly to beef up their squad to survive in the top-flight next term. And Ampadu could be one of those additions.