Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams has reportedly emerged as a target for Chelsea, who are desperately in the market for midfield reinforcements.
The Blues are looking to make several additions to their midfield department in the current transfer window, with Brighton star Moises Caicedo their top target. However, the west London club have had three bids rejected for Caicedo by Brighton so far, with the latest worth £80 million. While there is frustration within the club for failing to get a deal done, they remain adamant about the Ecuador international.
According to The Times, Chelsea are also interested in signing Tyler Adams from Leeds United.
Adams, 24, played 24 times in the Premier League last season but couldn’t save Leeds United from getting relegated—with an unfortunate injury bringing his debut campaign at Elland Road to a premature end. The defensive midfielder is recovering from the hamstring injury that forced him to undergo surgery in March.
The report adds the United States skipper has a relegation clause in his Leeds contract that could allow him to leave on the cheap.
Tyler Adams to Chelsea—Good option?
Mauricio Pochettino has been busy trimming the bloated squad that saw Chelsea endure a shocking 2022/23 Premier League season and finish 12th. As far as Chelsea’s midfield is concerned, the likes of Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and N’Golo Kante have all been sold.
This has left Pochettino with Enzo Fernandez and Conor Gallagher as the only two senior central midfielders available at his disposal, although Brazilian youngster Andrey Santos caught the eye during the pre-season tour of the US. Chelsea have signed Lesley Ugochukwu from Rennes in a surprise move, but the teenager will likely join Strasbourg on loan.
Thus, besides their top target Caicedo, the Pensioners are eyeing a move for Tyler Adams, who is keen to leave Leeds following their relegation. Primarily a defensive midfielder, Adams can operate as a full-back or wing-back on either side of the defence or midfield, and such versatility could add a lot of value to the Chelsea squad. The American showed glimpses of his quality at Leeds last season, impressing with his technical ability, energy, work rate and leadership skills.
Adams is hugely experienced for his age, having made over 200 senior appearances at club level and represented the United States 36 times thus far. Thus, signing the 24-year-old will not just future-proof the position for Chelsea but give them another solid and experienced player who can be relied upon for the long run.
With the USA international having a relegation clause in his Leeds contract, Chelsea must quickly look to seize his signature for a relatively bargain price before other clubs start circling.
