Some Derby County supporters have taken to Twitter to comment at the prospect of signing Ethan Ampadu on loan.
New Chelsea manager Frank Lampard told the Blues’ official Twitter account how Ampadu is free to go out on loan this season. The 18-year-old has bags of ability and is surly going to be a player in-demand.
But some would argue Lampard owes Derby a favour or two. The Rams handed the former Chelsea midfielder his first role in management. And arguably more importantly, they didn’t stand in his way when the London club came calling.
Here is how some Derby fans reacted to the news:
Lampard explains Ethan Ampadu s absent because he could be going on loan for the season. He is a big fan of the player and wanted to sign him on loan for Derby last season, so is hopeful he can play a lot of games somewhere this year.#CFCinJapan
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 16, 2019
Ampadu would be amazing but don’t think it’s likely #dcfc
— Gemma Kelly (@GemKelly) July 16, 2019
Ethan ampadu is a baller can only wish him joining derby #dcfc #dcfcfans
— Mitchell Ward⚫⚪ (@mitchward_7) July 16, 2019
Time for Mel Morris to be rewarded for his impeccable attitude towards Chelsea over the Lampard saga. Giving us first dibs over Ethan Ampadu seems an appropriate goodwill gesture. #DCFC #CFC #AmpaduLoan
— David Walton (@ramsfan0285) July 16, 2019
Ethan Ampadu no way! 👀 #dcfc #dcfcfans
— 🅐🅓🅐🅜 🅛🅤🅜🅐🐑🇳🇱 (@adaml88) July 16, 2019
Ampadu available for loan… Would love him at Derby but would think we are second favourites behind the Bundesliga clubs…
— Mick Massey DCFC (@topklobber) July 16, 2019
I hope he goes to Derby at least as a compensation for Lamps and Jody
— Akorede (@Iammuneer_) July 16, 2019
Would Derby County be a good fit for Ethan Ampadu?
Derby have proven to be a good place for Premier League clubs to send their top youngsters on loan. Fikayo Tomori, Mason Mount and Liverpool’s Harry Wilson all improved as players last season.
Ampadu joined Chelsea from Exeter City three years ago. He is widely regarded as one of the club’s most promising youngsters, but he lacks first-team experience.
The Rams are in a strong position to offer the player regular football. Ampadu is capable of playing at both centre-back and as a holding midfielder, and Derby are light in both areas.
Newly-appointed Rams manager Phillip Cocu has a good history of working with young players. Moreover, he has been brought in by owner Mel Morris with the idea of carrying on Lampard’s good work.

(Photo by Harriet Lander/Getty Images)
Lampard can feel confident Derby will continue to play the possession-based style he implemented last season. Also, the experience of a promotion race would stand Ampadu in good stead for the future.
It’s a potential signing which seemingly makes sense for all parties involved. Derby, however, may face competition from the Premier League while ultimately the choice will belong to the player.