I think you can put this one down as a case of one ‘slipping through the net’.
Sheffield United the other day unveiled the signing of Welsh international Ethan Ampadu, someone that Fulham were linked to a number of weeks ago and were indeed deemed as ‘close’ to signing him, and if I’m being honest I’m really disappointed we weren’t able to follow through on this.
Capable of playing both as a centre-back and as a defensive midfielder (but predominantly as a centre-back, a position that we are in desperate need of), the flexibility and stability that he would have brought us, as well as his talent is going to be something we are going to regret not pulling the trigger on.
Is a new CB our priority this window?
Yes
No
Having seen him play many times for Wales, I know that this kid has got a bright future ahead of him, and what he would have contributed to Fulham would have been immeasurable (although I am about to measure something here).
With a pass completion rate throughout his career of 91.5%, in a side that loves to keep possession, he would have fit right in for us, and his recent displays on an international level show just how comfortable he is as a left centre-back.
I know Tony Khan said that we aren’t in the business of developing other club’s players, but with someone as talented as him, we really should have looked the other way on that mantra. You watch Sheffield United this season, if he can become a regular for them, he is going to showcase exactly what he can do, and we’ll be kicking ourselves for not completing the deal.