Tyler Adams knew Chelsea transfer collapse was on the cards, still expected to leave Leeds United amid Brighton links
Tyler Adams and company “were aware” that his move from Leeds United to Chelsea might fall through “from the start”, according to The Secret Scout.
The online source, whose accuracy has previously been acknowledged by the likes of Fabrizio Romano, reported via Twitter Friday (11 August) that the midfielder knew the transfer might collapse but had “wanted to continue the process and medical just in case a deal was to be finalised”.
The 24-year-old was reportedly “disappointed” but is “still expected to leave” as he has “other options on the table”.
The Secret Scout had earlier the same day suggested there was a “possibility” Adams could end up signing for Brighton prior to the Chelsea move falling through.
And subsequent to the Stamford Bridge deal falling apart that has also been reported by The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg on Friday night, with the Seagulls’ Moises Caicedo still being chased by Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
Brief reprieve
By the looks of things Daniel Farke shouldn’t take Adams’ presence for granted going forward, and Chelsea may still be a key player in the equation.
With the London side apparently set to spend yet more huge amounts to sign Caicedo and Southampton’s Romeo Lavia it will leave Brighton and the Blues’ transfer rivals Liverpool in need of alternatives.
Adams has been linked to both and at just £20million will cost below half of Lavia’s mooted £50m-plus fee, and less than a fifth of Caicedo’s £100m-plus, while Leeds United will be unable to stand in his way if that relegation release clause is triggered.
It is starting to look like the scenario that the Whites hierarchy and supporters would have been dreading is starting to come to pass, after navigating their way through most of the transfer window only losing players who largely won’t be missed.
An exodus of the better performers last season didn’t materialise earlier in the summer, with only Rodrigo’s sale significantly weakening the squad as a host of others left on loan, albeit in deals which deprived the club of transfer capital.
Max Wober’s late defection was a key blow, and now with pressure mounting on all clubs as the deadline closes in interest in Adams has advanced to the brink of an exit which may still happen, and Willy Gnonto appears to have taken matters into his own hands as he too tries to find a way out.
At this rate any number of current Whites players could be gone by 2 September, and it appears the USMNT captain is likely to be one of them.
In other Leeds United news, a new bid has emerged as another Premier League side tries to pluck a Whites star from Farke’s squad.