Ampadu 2.0: Leeds ready to pay up for “tremendous” £1.2m star
Leeds United Fans Hoping for Premier League Stability Amid Tanganga Transfer Interest
Leeds United supporters will be hoping that their beloved club can finally establish itself in the Premier League after a triumphant return to the top flight. Following a record-breaking Championship campaign that saw Daniel Farke’s side amass an impressive 100 points, there’s optimism around Elland Road—but also a sense of caution.
Despite their dominant second-tier performance, Leeds know all too well how brutal life in the Premier League can be. The club endured a painful relegation in the 2022–23 season and previously fell from the top division in 2004, during the days when Mark Viduka led the attack. Determined to avoid a third drop in recent memory, Leeds are expected to be active in the summer transfer market as they look to bolster their squad with players capable of making the grade at the highest level.
One of their primary areas of focus appears to be the defence, and reports suggest they’re eyeing a bargain move for Millwall defender Japhet Tanganga.
Leeds Prepare to Activate £1.2m Release Clause for Tanganga
According to journalist Charlie Gordon of the Express, Leeds United are preparing to launch a move for Japhet Tanganga, currently at Millwall, with the 26-year-old available for just £1.2 million. This low price tag comes courtesy of a release clause that applies specifically to Premier League clubs—making the former Tottenham Hotspur player a highly attractive prospect for a team like Leeds aiming to reinforce on a budget.
However, Leeds aren’t the only club monitoring Tanganga. Crystal Palace are also reportedly interested, viewing the English defender as a low-cost option to potentially replace Marc Guehi, who may be on the move this summer. In addition, recently promoted clubs Sunderland and Burnley are said to be keen, both looking to add top-flight experience to their squads.
Should Leeds succeed in securing Tanganga’s signature, they may be signing a player who could replicate the impact of Ethan Ampadu, another defender who revitalized his career at Elland Road after leaving a big club.
Tanganga Drawing Comparisons to Ampadu
Ethan Ampadu arrived at Leeds from Chelsea in 2023 for a fee of around £7 million after struggling to find consistent opportunities at Stamford Bridge. The Welsh international has since thrived under Daniel Farke, playing a crucial role in Leeds’ promotion-winning season. He registered 16 clean sheets across 29 league appearances and displayed composure on the ball, completing 90% of his passes on average—a testament to his development in West Yorkshire.
Tanganga, similarly, will be aiming to rebuild his career after falling out of favour at Tottenham. If he does make the move, he’ll be expected to emulate Ampadu’s transformation and establish himself as a vital part of Farke’s defensive setup.
Leeds fans may already be familiar with Tanganga thanks to a goal he scored against their side last season. But rather than frustrating the Elland Road faithful again, he could soon find himself being celebrated by them for his performances in white.
Standing at six feet tall, the Hackney-born defender shares several traits with Ampadu. Statistical comparisons show that Tanganga holds his own in duels, averaging 5.8 won per game—slightly more than Ampadu’s 5.1. He’s also a competent passer, helping build play from the back, which is essential in Farke’s possession-oriented system.
Proven Experience and Premier League Pedigree
Tanganga isn’t just a player with potential—he has already proven himself at the highest level. He has made 27 Premier League appearances with Spurs and received praise from top pundits. Premier League legend Alan Shearer once described him as “magnificent” during his time in North London, while former England midfielder Carlton Palmer highlighted his “tremendous recovery pace,” calling him “capable of playing in the Premier League.”
If Leeds do bring him in, it could be a shrewd bit of business. With the club looking to add Premier League-proven talent without spending excessively, Tanganga fits the bill perfectly. He could help Leeds build a solid defensive foundation as they aim not just to survive in the top tier—but to thrive in it.