adminEthan Ampadu is worth more to Leeds United than any transfer fee they could realistically receive during the January window.
That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who does not believe the Whites will even consider selling their club captain.
This comes amid reports that Chelsea are keen to bring back their former midfielder this winter, having identified him as a strong option to strengthen their squad.
Wyness believes Leeds could comfortably command a £50million transfer fee for the Wales international, but does not expect their thinking to be influenced by money at this stage.
Ampadu spent six years at Stamford Bridge earlier in his career, before joining Leeds permanently after several loan spells in 2023.
The 26-year-old has since developed into a vital part of Daniel Farke’s side, and he has featured for every minute of their Premier League campaign so far.
The ‘only way’ Leeds would sell Ethan Ampadu
Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes the “only way” Leeds would potentially sell Ampadu is if they were effectively safe from relegation by Christmas.
The Scottish businessman suggested that dropping into the Championship would cost the club at least £100m, and he considers Ampadu a “crucial cog” in their long-term development.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness explained why Ampadu holds more value than any fee Leeds could potentially receive.
“Leeds are focused, first of all, on avoiding relegation and climbing up the table. A relegation would cost the club £100m. I don’t think Ampadu is going to go for £100m,” he said.
“He’s a pretty crucial cog in the machine of Leeds right now. They might get £50m for him, but I don’t think they consider that because he’s such a crucial part of ensuring they stay up and keep on climbing the table.
“I don’t think they’ll be anywhere near thinking about him going to Chelsea. Leeds are on a high right now, Farke has got them going, there’s momentum. And so I think the last thing that should be on their minds is trying to cash in.
“Unless for some reason they were right at the top of the table and almost safe by Christmas and they thought we’re going to have to take a £50m dividend. That’s the only way they would consider it, but that’s an unlikely situation for them to be in.”
Leeds plan to accept offer for promotion hero
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider earlier this week that Leeds are expected to accept a “decent” offer for Dan James either in January or next summer.
The winger was an important part of their return to the top flight in recent years, but Brown now believes Farke’s side have effectively surpassed James’ ability.
The 28-year-old has been restricted to just 52 minutes of Premier League football so far this season, and his role is unlikely to expand anytime soon.
James recorded 21 goal involvements to help the club return to the Premier League in 2024-25, but Brown is convinced that the writing is now on the wall for him regarding his future at Elland Road.
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