RB Leipzig have no plans to cut short Ethan Ampadu’s loan in January and send him back to Chelsea.
The 19-year-old joined the Bundesliga club on a season-long loan in the summer after attracting interest from a number of sides, including Premier League newcomers Aston Villa.
Given former Chelsea captain John Terry is now Dean Smith’s assistant at Villa Park it looked likely Ampadu would end up there, but RB Leipzig swooped to land the youngster.
Since making the move, however, the Wales international has struggled for action and he has played just 66 minutes of club football this season.
That has led to speculation Ampadu, who can operate in midfield or defence, would have his loan move cut short in January and he would be sent back to Chelsea.
However RB Leipzig’s chairman, Oliver Mintzlaff, has now ruled out such a situation taking place when the transfer window opens.
“A premature return is not an option,” Mintzlaff told Bild. “[RB Leipzig head coach] Julian Nagelsmann will continue to develop Ethan in training so that he will certainly get his time in this long season.”
Ampadu’s frustrations about a lack of club football are being exacerbated by the fact he is playing regularly for Wales.
The teenager played 87 minutes during the 2-0 win over Azerbaijan on Saturday and is set to feature tonight against Hungary in Cardiff.
Ampadu has so far chalked up 270 minutes for Wales this season, which is four times more than he has managed for RB Leipzig.
However, his chances could improve after the current international break due to injuries within the German club’s squad.
In particular captain and centre-back Willi Orban is out until next year with a knee injury, while fellow defenders Marcel Halstenberg and Nordi Mukiele are also struggling for fitness
