Alex Crook has dropped an update on reported Leeds United transfer target Che Adams.
What’s the latest?
In a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT, the talkSPORT journalist revealed that, following a number of recent reports linking Victor Orta with a move for the Southampton centre-forward this summer, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side could be tempted into parting with the 26-year-old – with Saints reported to have placed a £10m asking price on the Scotland international.
Regarding the Whites’ interest in Adams, Crook said: “I was told they want to bring in a centre forward and I’ve been told that Southampton could be willing to listen to offers for Che Adams, who’s been on their list before. Whether they would meet the asking price I don’t know, but maybe that’s one to keep an eye on.”
Roberts upgrade
With Tyler Roberts having largely failed to impress since Leeds’ return to the Premier League two seasons ago – form which ultimately saw the 23-year-old shipped out on loan to Queens Park Rangers this summer, who hold an option to buy the Wales international – Jesse Marsch is quite clearly in need of greater depth up top ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
And, while Adams is by no means the most glamourous name the Whites have been linked with this summer – with Orta also reportedly holding an interest in Club Brugge KV forward Charles De Ketelaere, Paris Saint-Germain striker Arnaud Kalimuendo and Stade Rennais attacker Martin Terrier – it is undeniable that the Southampton striker would be an upgrade on Roberts.
Indeed, when comparing the duo’s respective returns for Leeds and Saints in the Premier League last season, Adams bettered Roberts in almost every metric, scoring seven goals to the Welshman’s one, registering three assists to the 23-year-old’s one and creating six big chances to the forward’s two.
The £16.2m-rated talent also bettered the QPR loanee in average shots taken – 1.6 to 1.3 – key passes made – 0.9 to 0.7 – and successful dribbles – 0.7 to 0.5 – per game, as well as boasting an average SofaScore match rating of 6.85 in comparison to Roberts’ 6.74.
As such, it is clear to see that the £52k-per-week Adams would represent something of a dream upgrade on the £7.2m-rated Welshman, leading us to believe that, for a fee of just £10m, the 19-cap international who Ross McCafferty dubbed “unreal” could well prove to be an extremely shrewd signing for Orta to get over the line this summer.
