Ethan Ampadu Revels in Leeds United Promotion Celebrations – and Hints at Transfer News
Leeds United’s triumphant return to the Premier League brought scenes of jubilation to the city centre over the bank holiday weekend, with Welsh international Ethan Ampadu at the heart of the festivities – and, inadvertently, providing fans with an unexpected bit of transfer gossip.
Thousands of Leeds supporters, with estimates reaching 150,000, packed streets to welcome their heroes in a parade worthy of a title-winning side. The players, perched atop open-top buses proudly displaying their “Champions” banners, embraced the moment – none more so than Ampadu, who wholeheartedly threw himself into the celebrations.
Ampadu, aged 24 and a key figure for both Leeds and Wales, was visibly relishing the occasion. Fans captured scenes of him dancing energetically atop the team bus, placing a traffic cone on his head, and rousing the crowd with the megaphone at every opportunity. Surrounded by singing, flag-waving supporters, his giddy delight encapsulated the mood of the city.
Among the day’s memorable moments, Ampadu led fans in a song about teammate Junior Firpo, whose future at Elland Road has been the subject of ongoing speculation. Taking the microphone, Ampadu began the chant: “He came from Barca, he won the cup in Spain. He plays for Leeds now, he’ll do the same again.” The chorus echoed through the gathered masses, “He’s f***ing magic and don’t you f***ing know, his name is Junior, Junior Firpo.”
However, Ampadu’s following comment caused a stir among fans and pundits alike. After the chant, he repeatedly called out “Real Betis”, referring to the Spanish club previously home to Firpo, and reportedly interested in re-signing him. With Firpo’s contract set to expire next month, Ampadu’s not-so-subtle shout seemed to suggest that a move back to Betis may be imminent – or at the very least, that transfer speculation among fans would not die down any time soon.
Throughout the parade, Ampadu was clearly the life and soul of the party. At one point, he took the microphone again to jokingly scold the crowd for not being loud enough, exclaiming, “Hang on a minute here. I will be honest, we are not flipping loud enough!” The energy on display reflected both months of effort on the pitch and the sheer catharsis of promotion back to English football’s top tier.
Even the official Leeds United TV coverage found it challenging to keep up with him. When quizzed about the day’s scenes, a beaming and perhaps slightly inebriated Ampadu replied, “Not really, but anyway…” before launching back into chanting for the supporters. His boundless enthusiasm carried on throughout the festivities, as he later joined striker Patrick Bamford in a rendition of Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten” alongside teammates and supporters—a cheeky nod to rival club Burnley’s use of the track after their promotion.
In the aftermath of the celebrations, Ampadu, sporting a yellow bucket hat, backwards ‘Champions’ shirt, and proudly draped in a Welsh flag, was seen continuing the night’s revelry in local bars. On social media, he broke his silence about the exhausting and unforgettable day, admitting to a sore head but explaining that singing “Unwritten” with Bamford had become a pre-season ritual for the pair.
Looking ahead, Ampadu is set to take to the Premier League again, alongside fellow Welsh internationals Dan James, Joe Rodon, and Karl Darlow. Leeds fans will be hoping his infectious spirit helps keep the mood buoyant as the club prepares for the challenges to come.
While the celebrations have died down, the buzz around Junior Firpo’s future – fuelled by Ampadu’s off-hand comments – continues to swirl. As Elland Road braces for a new chapter in the Premier League, supporters will be keeping a close eye on transfer developments as well as reliving the joyous scenes of a city united, if only for one magic night, by football.