According to the latest reports from Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds United are continuing to pursue Southampton’s Che Adams as their primary target to replace Eddie Nketiah. The Whites have been linked with the former Birmingham City man for a few weeks now. Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl had even commented about Adams’ future not too long ago, and he ruled out a possible loan move in January.
Hasenhuttl’s comments on Adams
Hasenhuttl had recently said (Daily Echo), ”I wouldn’t consider loaning him out, I need every player, especially in an attacking position as we don’t have many. He’s not so happy in the moment because he didn’t play that often and hasn’t scored so far, but we know what we have with him, and we know that we need him.”
Even after those comments, Leeds United are still in the hunt for the striker, and he continues to remain their no. 1 target this January. The Saints currently have Danny Ings, Shane Long and Michael Obafemi as their forward options. Ings has been in terrific form so far, and he is only behind Jamie Vardy in terms of scoring the most goals this season in the Premier League.
Maybe Leeds United believe that Southampton will have a change in stance by the time the window comes close to an end. Or perhaps the Whites are hoping that Adams would apply pressure on the club to let him leave in January. However, as things stand, Southampton are unlikely to let him go after Hasenhuttl’s comments.
Leeds United should keep an eye on other options as well as they desperately need to add a striker in this transfer window. The club has Patrick Bamford as the only fit striker who is available. Tyler Roberts is another option who can lead the line but has been plagued with injuries so far this season.
Will Adams be a good addition?
Adams would undoubtedly be a top addition for the Yorkshire outfit. The striker made his name in the Championship while playing for Birmingham City and an impressive 2018-19 season earned him a move to Premier League club Southampton. Adams had managed 22 goals and five assists last season. Those numbers are more impressive if taken into consideration that Birmingham City were struggling as a team, and they finished 17th on the table in the end.
The 23-year-old is a hard-working striker, and he has the physical side to his game as well as pace to trouble the defenders. Adams showcases good balance and impressive agility to go past players, and he is a live wire in and around the opposition’s penalty box. It would be a major coup for Leeds United if they get him for the rest of the season, but the club should be prepared with other alternatives as well.
