The Wales international Ethan Ampadu will continue his development in the Bundesliga after joining RB Leipzig on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

Ampadu, who has eight senior caps, underwent a medical in Germany on Friday having been omitted from the Chelsea senior squad who are currently in Japan on a two-game pre-season tour.

Frank Lampard, who had attempted to secure the youngster while Derby manager, had made clear his intention to loan out the 18-year-old in search of regular first-team football for the season ahead. The former Exeter City player made more appearances for his country than his club last season.

Ampadu said: “I am very happy to be at RB Leipzig and start the season with the team. I want to get to know the team as quickly as possible and integrate myself.



“I’ve been following the club in recent years and saw how fantastic young players have come to develop here and what potential there is in this club. So it’s the perfect step for me.”

Leipzig’s sporting director Markus Krösche said: “We are very pleased to have won Ethan Ampadu for a one-year loan. He has only 18 years of international experience and can play both in the defense and in the defensive midfield.



“Despite many English offers, Ethan has decided to join us, and we now have another top talent in our ranks that is versatile enough to give our squad even more variation.”

Leipzig, who are close to securing Ademola Lookman from Everton this summer, will tap into Ampadu’s versatility with the teenager able to operate in defensive midfield and at centre-half. Lampard is to make decisions on the future of Chelsea’s other fringe and youth graduates in what remains of the window, with others likely to move on season-long deals away from Stamford Bridge despite the club being unable to add to their own squad due to Fifa’s transfer ban.

Midfielder Adam signs on at Reading

Reading have signed Scottish midfielder Charlie Adam on a one-year deal after his release by Stoke at the end of last season.

The 33-year-old had been training at Blackburn during pre-season, but has opted to join the Royals for the 2019-20 Championship campaign.

“Thanks to Tony Mowbray and everyone at Rovers for allowing me to train with them for the past few weeks,” Adam tweeted. “Was great to play and score a few goals. I wish them all the best this season. I’m now ready for my next challenge.”

The Reading chief executive, Nigel Howe, called Adam “a player with Premier League experience and pedigree at European and international level,” and backed the former Scotland international to “play a very valuable role within what is a relatively young first-team squad at Reading.”