Transfer Centre

Southampton's Che Adams 'seriously considering Leeds United transfer'

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 02 January 2023

Che Adams 'seriously considering Leeds transfer'

Southampton striker Che Adams would reportedly 'seriously consider' a transfer to Leeds United should they table an offer for his services in January.

The 26-year-old has established himself as the first-choice number nine at St Mary's this season and has impressed in front of goal, netting eight times in 18 games across all competitions.

In total, Adams has recorded 29 goals and 13 assists in 128 appearances for Southampton since joining the club from Birmingham City in 2019, and his performances are understood to have attracted interest from Leeds.

Indeed, the West Yorkshire outfit have been keeping tabs on Adams for some time and they allegedly failed with a £20m bid in January 2020.

Leeds were then joined by Everton in the race for his signature over the summer, but a transfer ultimately failed to materialise.

Southampton forward Che Adams celebrates scoring against Lincoln City in the EFL Cup fourth round on December 20, 2022. © Reuters

According to journalist Pete O'Rourke, Adams will contemplate a winter-window exit from Southampton if he receives a lucrative contract offer from elsewhere.

The Scotland international has just 18 months remaining on his current deal at St Mary's and there are no indications to suggest that he is close to agreeing fresh terms with the Saints.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, O'Rourke said: "Obviously nobody wants to be involved in a relegation fight, and I'm sure if an offer did come in it's something that Che Adams would seriously consider.

"Again, if he did move clubs he'd probably be on a more lucrative contract as well, so that will come into his thinking."

It remains to be seen whether Southampton would be willing to part ways with their star striker and top scorer midway through the season, with Nathan Jones's side currently sitting at the foot of the Premier League table.

Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch celebrates after the match on November 5, 2022 © Reuters

Leeds boss Jesse Marsch is believed to be exploring the possibility of recruiting a new centre-forward in January, with injury-prone striker Patrick Bamford still struggling with fitness issues.

The 29-year-old, who underwent groin surgery at the beginning of December, has started only four times across all competitions so far this season and is yet to score.

Spanish forward Rodrigo has been leading the line on several occasions for Leeds so far this term, while academy graduate Joe Gelhardt has also been called upon to operate up front.

Leeds, who sit 14th in the Premier League table, have also been credited with an interest in Club Brugge winger and Netherlands international Noa Lang, while Red Bull Salzburg defender Maximilian Wober is reportedly closing in on a January move to Elland Road.

The 24-year-old is set to become Marsch's first signing of 2023, with a fee in excess of €12m (£10.6m) already agreed between the two clubs.