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Chelsea news: Maurizio Sarri made one transfer mistake - Pat Nevin
CHELSEA boss Maurizio Sarri was wrong to not allow Ethan Ampadu to go out on loan this season.
Chelsea should have let Ethan Ampadu leave on loan says Nevin
That is according to BBC Sport pundit and former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin.
Ampadu, 17, is highly thought of at Stamford Bridge and has already made seven first-team appearances for the Blues.
The midfielder, who can also play in defence, has impressed in Wales’ two Nations League matches against the Republic of Ireland and Denmark in the last few days.
It emerged on Friday Championship side Derby, managed by Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, wanted to sign the former Exeter player on a season-long loan.
To be honest if you look at the position, there’s no way Chelsea promised him games this season
However, Sarri is said to have blocked the move as he sees Ampadu as part of his plans this season.
But Nevin cannot see how Ampadu will play in the Premier League this season and reckons a loan away would have done him good.
“To be honest if you look at the position, there’s no way Chelsea promised him games this season,” he said on BBC Radio 5 Live.
“There’s no chance that was a possibility because if you look at that midfield now, Cesc Fabregas isn’t even back.
“That’s before you look at the (Danny) Drinkwaters and plenty more players like that.
“What, Ampadu walks on the scene and he can go and play in the midfield? Not a chance.
“So I think it would have been sensible for him to go out and have another year out.
“Maybe Chelsea’s argument I would say now is they would like to win the Europa League.
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“They will need a lot of players for that and probably an entirely different midfield.
“So, how many games do you play in that between now and the end of the season?
“So you may get just about enough games, but playing every week in the Premier League?
“It’s highly, highly unlikely.”