Welsh international teenager Ethan Ampadu will spend next season on loan in Germany at Bundesliga club RB Leipzig.
The 18-year-old, who can play either as a centre-back or as a defensive midfielder, featured just five times last season at Chelsea under former Blues boss Maurizio Sarri.
Current Stamford Bridge boss Frank Lampard revealed recently he tried to sign Ampadu on loan in January when he was in charge at Derby.
The move to RB Leipzig will be Ampadu's first loan spell since his arrival at Chelsea from Exeter two years ago.
And Ampadu has hailed his loan move to Leipzig as "the perfect step for me".
Despite interest from Premier League new boys Aston Villa and Championship sides, Ampadu has sealed a move to the Germans, where he will wear the No.26 shirt and work under new boss Julian Nagelsmann.
"I am very happy to be at RB Leipzig and start the season with the team," said Ampadu. "I want to get to know the team as quickly as possible and integrate myself.
"I've been following and seeing how fantastic young players have developed here over the last few years and what potential there is in this club. So, it's the perfect step for me."
