If Leeds United is promoted to the Premier League, they will attempt to sign Southampton’s Che Adams, with Everton and Wolves also showing interest.
This is supported by a TEAMtalk story that lists Leeds and several other Premier League teams as interested parties in the Scotland international.
The 27-year-old Southampton striker’s contract is scheduled to expire over the summer, thus he will be leaving St. Mary’s on a free transfer.
Adams wanted in Leeds striking overhaul
Adams has reportedly indicated that he has no intention of signing a contract extension with Southampton, giving Everton, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Leeds United a competitive advantage in their respective pursuits of him.
Additionally, it implies that should Leeds win the Championship play-offs at Wembley, the Whites will initiate a series of actions that will entail Joel Piroe, a striker from the Netherlands, being sold and replaced by the Scotsman.
Regardless of whether Saints go to the Premier League on their own, the story implies that Adams has already turned down the club’s offer of a new deal.
However, if Leeds fail to win promotion, it will look increasingly difficult to offer a sales pitch to rival that of Wolves and Everton, should those clubs follow up on their credited interest in Adams.
Leeds could regret Piroe sacrifice
Just a summer after splashing a reported £10m+ on the Dutch striker, Leeds could be ready to move on from Piroe in order to bring Adams to Elland Road.
The former Swansea striker is contracted with Leeds until the summer of 2027, and so any sale this summer would represent a significant change of heart from Leeds boss Daniel Farke.
Piroe’s record in the three seasons he’s played in English football since his move to the Swans back in 2021 is highly impressive, and tells the tale of a forward who is a reliable source of goals.
Leeds would likely have to take a significant loss on Piroe, as they will likely not receive offers in excess of what they parted with to sign him a year ago, and move will be met with raised eyebrows among the Whites faithful.
Adams would prove excellent value
Free transfers can rarely be snuffed at, and in the case of Adams, there doesn’t appear to be a supposed ‘catch’ in any deal for him.
He’s a striker in the prime years of his career, who is also set to board the plane to Euro 2024 with Scotland.
Should Leeds earn promotion to the top-flight, Adams has proven he can score a respectable number of goals, and contribute with a handful of assists in individual seasons.
For a deal that would cost them nothing but his wages, he could prove to be a smart addition to bolster their forward ranks ahead of a season back amongst the big boys, whilst also freeing up funds to be spent on improving other areas of the pitch.
