Chelsea’s longest-serving player has only played for 10 mins in Premier League

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    A 22-year-old who has played just 10 minutes in the Premier League has officially become Chelsea’s longest-serving player.

    Ethan Ampadu is now something of a club ‘veteran’ following the departure of Cesar Azpilicueta, who has returned to his native Spain to join Atletico Madrid, and Baba Rahman, who has left for Greek side POAK.

    Former club captain Azpilicueta joined the Blues from Marseille back in 2012 while forgotten man Rahman arrived in 2015 from Augsburg for £14million. Rahman made just 23 Blues appearances, all in his debut season, before a host of loan spells.

    That leaves Wales international Ampadu as the club’s long-serving current player, at least technically. Reece James didn’t sign professional terms with the Blues until 2018, a year after Ampadu arrived from EFL side Exeter side. Another veteran of the club, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, arrived in August 2018.

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    Ampadu made his first-team debut as a 16-year-old and has 12 Chelsea appearances to his name, but just one in the league, and that was as a late substitute. Loan spells with RB Leipzig, Sheffield United and Italian pair Venezia and Spezia followed.

    The central defender and midfielder is now back with the Blues for pre-season training but his future is uncertain as new boss Mauricio Pochettino assesses his squad. Another loan move or a permanent exit from the club are both possibilities.

    Ampadu’s newfound status is no surprise to many fans, who have become used to Chelsea’s high turnover of players and managers over the last 20 years.

    “They probably forgot who he was & did not realise they could sell him!,” joked one fan. Another said: “I would like to see him make it at Chelsea but unfortunately it won't happen.”

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    One forward-thinking thinking fan quipped: “Year 2031: Enzo Fernandez is the longest-serving senior player after the departure of Lewis Hall. He’s made just 18 appearances for the club since joining them in 2023 for £105M.”

    A fourth said: “He was considered a huge talent until he signed for Chelsea and ruined his career.”

    • Chelsea FC
    • Mauricio Pochettino
    • Premier League
    • Spain

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