Leeds United
Championship
Leeds Utd transfer news: Bid for Che Adams lined up as Victor Orta learns affordable asking price for Southampton striker
Leeds United are reportedly ready to move on from their Charles De Ketelaere transfer disappointment by plotting a fresh move for long-term target Che Adams.
The Whites have been highly active in the transfer market this summer, bringing in seven new players so far. Indeed, the capture of Brenden Aaronson was confirmed a matter of days after survival at Brentford was achieved in dramatic circumstances. And since then, Rasmus Kristensen, Marc Roca, Tyler Adams, Luis Sinisterra, Darko Gyabi and Sonny Perkins have all signed on.
However, that near £95m transfer spree has been funded by the sales of Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha. And as a result, some observers reckon the Whites are destined to struggle again this season.
Key to those beliefs is the fact that Leeds are still to sign a new centre forward. The club were desperately light in attack last season with Patrick Bamford only managing 560 minutes of Premier League football.
As such, signing cover and competition for the England cap has been a priority for Leeds this summer. Indeed, they have spent several weeks chasing a deal for Charles De Ketelaere. Ultimately, despite outbidding fellow suitors, AC Milan, Leeds’ offer has failed with the Belgian opting for a move to the San Siro.
And with just six days until the new season gets underway, Leeds are still looking to add more firepower to their ranks.
The likes of Arnaud Kalimuendo and Martin Terrier have both emerged as options. Indeed, Leeds have reportedly agreed a £21m fee to sign Kalimuendo, though comments from PSG coach Christophe Galtier suggest a deal may be tough.
However, The Sun claims Leeds are ready to go back to the future with a move for long-term target Adams.
Leeds United back in for Che Adams
The Scotland international was on Leeds’ radar back in January 2020 when they were pushing for promotion from the Championship.
Having a huge admirer in former boss Marcelo Bielsa, Leeds ultimately saw their efforts to sign him fail.
However, the club has retained an interest in Adams and may now be ready to launch a fresh approach.
The 26-year-old has been squeezed down the Southampton pecking order and are seemingly looking to sell.
Saints boss Ralph Hasenuhuttl has recently added France U21 striker Sekou Mara to his ranks, limiting Adams’ prospects.
To that end, The Sun claims Leeds are readying an approach worth £10m to finally bring Adams to Elland Road.
Saints reportedly value Adams at nearer the £15m mark, but a compromise deal of around £12.5m – £13m will convince them to sell.
Southampton star would prove a smart signing for Leeds
There will be some who doubt the wisdom in Leeds United once again pursuing a move for Adams.
His record of 21 goals in 110 appearances for Saints is not exactly prolific.
However, with Leeds requiring cover for Bamford, finding that sort of player will not be easy to find. And Che Adams is a hard-working centre-forward, who holds up play well and capable of bringing others into play. To that end, he will fit in well with the Leeds mold.
In addition, playing under Hasenhuttl, he’s a player who will understand the Red Bull model of playing.
Furthermore, the Whites need a striker who will not dent the progress made by star youngster Joe Gelhardt. The 20-year-old is expected to be given an increasingly prominent role with Leeds this coming season after catching Jesse Marsch’s eye.
How will Leeds fare in the Premier League next season without Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips?
How will Leeds cope without Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips in the upcoming campaign?
He has eight goal involvements in just 738 minutes of Premier League football. That amounts to a goal contribution every 92.25 minutes.