CHELSEA HAVE AGREED to loan Ethan Ampadu to RB Leipzig for the season. 

The talented 18-year-old, who can play at centre-half or in midfield, joined the London club from Exeter City two years ago. 

However, Welshman Ampadu has found first-team opportunities hard to come by — making 12 appearances during that time. 

Chelsea rate the teenager highly and rewarded him a new five-year deal last September, but he will spend the upcoming campaign under the guidance of Julian Nageslmann at Leipzig.

Ampadu playing a recent pre-season friendly for Chelsea at Bohemians' Dalymount Park. PA Wire / PA Images PA Wire / PA Images / PA Images

It’s the latest in a growing trend of Premier League-based players heading to the Bundesliga to gain experience after the likes of Jadon Sancho, Reiss Nelson and Jonjoe Kenny.

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,” Chelsea boss Frank Lampard said.

“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.”

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