Leeds United transfer news as 49ers set for new striker war chest at Elland Road
Leeds United could soon find themselves with the perfect new striker war chest as Chelsea look set to sign Tyler Adams in a deal which could be worth £20million.
The Athletic [7 August], has reported that it is increasingly likely that Adams seals his exit this week, and it could go straight into the 49ers’ investment war chest, with reports [Yorkshire Evening Post, 2 August] claiming they would spend big should any departures emerge.
Leeds are in desperate need of reinforcements up front, with both main strikers Patrick Bamford and Georginio Rutter suffering injuries in the pre-season fixture with Hearts just before the start of the season, with the former set to miss at least five Championship games.
Top-level strikers in the current market cost a premium, especially with less than a month to go before the transfer window closes. Leeds have been linked with a move for Joel Piroe from Swansea, who would cost around £15-20million [Football Insider, 30 July]. Adams’ sale would give Leeds the funds to make this possible.
Other alternatives include West Ham striker Michail Antonio, who is less prolific than Piroe but arguably more effective away from goalscoring, and Sory Kaba from Midtjylland, who scored eight goals in 17 appearances on loan with Cardiff last season.
The money received from the sale of Adams would also need to be invested elsewhere in the squad, with a need for reinforcements in defence still pressing following the injury to Liam Cooper, while the American midfielder’s absence would be felt in itself.
Both of those alternatives provide cheaper options, but if Leeds are to be boosted by an incoming £20million, they can set their sights on a higher bracket of targets, with Piroe among them.
The 49ers have to use this money wisely, it could be available very soon.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has shared an update on Liam Cooper’s proposed Saudi transfer.