Chelsea youngster Ethan Ampadu has joined Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig on a season-long loan deal.
The teenage midfielder graduated to the Blues senior squad in 2016 and has since managed to appear in 12 matches across all competitions.
Ampadu penned a new five-year contract at Stamford Bridge in September 2018 and featured in three Europa League matches during the team's run to glory in Baku back in May.
He will now have the chance to help Leipzig challenge at the top of the Bundesliga table and in the Champions League after agreeing a season-long loan deal.
New Chelsea boss Frank Lampard told the club's official website he feels the move is an important step for Ampadu at this stage of his career.
He stated: "I tried to sign Ethan on loan at Derby last year so I’m a big fan, but with the minutes he played last year, in the interest of Ethan and of Chelsea, the idea he can play a lot of games somewhere could be good for him.
"I really wanted to work with Ethan this year. That’s a slight disappointment, but it’s to benefit of him. In midfield and defence, we have a lot of quality, so each player is a case by case."
The 18-year-old will wear the No. 26 jersey at the Red Bull Arena and could be handed his debut on Friday when Leipzig take on Rennes in a pre-season friendly.
Ampadu expressed his delight after being unveiled in Germany, insisting it's the "perfect step" for him as he matures and develops his all-around game.
"I am very happy to be at RB Leipzig and start the season with the team," he began. "I want to get to know the team as quickly as possible and integrate myself.
Getty Images"I've been following the club in recent years and saw how fantastic young players have come to develop here and what potential there is in this club. So it's the perfect step for me.
"I'm really happy to be wearing the RB Leipzig jersey now. I have heard a lot about the club and am convinced that the way football is played here suits me very well.
"I already know some of my new team-mates: I've already played against Jean-Kevin Augustin in Paris and against Dayot Upamecano and Nordi Mukiele in the French Under-21 national team. Therefore, I am optimistic that I can adapt here quickly."
Leipzig sporting director Markus Krosche said Wales international Ampadu's versatility will make him a valuable addition to Julian Nagelsmann's side ahead of the 2019-20 campaign.
He said: "We are very pleased to have signed Ethan Ampadu for a one-year loan. He is 18 but already has international experience and can play both in the defence and in the defensive midfield.
"Despite many English offers, Ethan has decided to join us, and we now have another top talent in our ranks that is versatile enough to give our squad even more variation."