Leeds United continue to take significant interest in former Birmingham City striker Che Adams. Latest reports from Leeds Live confirm that the striker is open to a move to Leeds United this month. The striker has failed to get regular game time at Southampton after his £15m move in the summer.
How can Leeds United sign Adams?
Adams is yet to score for the Saints, but he made a substitute appearance against Leicester City where Southampton grabbed a crucial 2-1 win. Reports from the Athletic as cited by Leeds Live claim that the Saints would be willing to send Adams for a £1m loan fee and if Leeds agree on an obligation to buy him in the summer. The price tag to buy him permanently isn’t mentioned, but we believe that it is likely going to be around the price which the Saints paid to get him in the summer of 2019.
Leeds United are not expected to spend big money in January. Moreover, they have already agreed on a deal with Wolves to sign Helder Costa in the summer. Hence, it remains to be seen whether the Whites would take another commitment like that or not with Adams.
If they move up to the Premier League, then they shouldn’t have problems in meeting Southampton’s demand of signing him permanently. But if the Whites fail to go up, then that could spell trouble for them as they are already going to spend £15m to sign Costa.
What now for Leeds United?
So it remains to be seen whether the Leeds United decision-makers would take such a risk or not. The Whites might be occupying the second spot right now in the table, but they have won just once in their last seven games and the drop in the form must be reminding the fans about what happened last season.
Adams meanwhile would undoubtedly be an excellent signing for the Whites. The striker bagged 22 goals last season for a struggling Birmingham side in the Championship. Adams’ energy, tenacity and work rate would make him a right fit at Elland Road. He also seemingly has those killer instincts in front of goal which Patrick Bamford lacks sometimes.
Leeds United should look to bring in a striker as early as possible. As for agreeing on a £1m loan fee and taking on the obligation to buy him permanently in the summer, it is a significant risk if United fail to get promoted. Paying the loan fee might still be feasible, but with United already obligated to buy Costa, they might not want to agree on another deal like that with promotion not in the bag. Maybe Southampton might relent on the demands they have put up.
