Fabrizio Romano has dropped a claim regarding potential Leeds United transfer target Tyler Adams.
What’s the talk?
In a recent interview with the Que Golazo Podcast, the Italian journalist suggested that, following the news the Whites have had a bid accepted for Brenden Aaronson, Jesse Marsch could now turn his focus towards another of his former players – in the shape of RB Leipzig defensive midfielder Tyler Adams.
The transfer insider went on to state that the American manager’s relationship with the 23-year-old is fantastic, before claiming that the USA international could be a potential candidate to replace Kalvin Phillips – who has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester City – in the heart of the Leeds midfield this summer.
Concerning Leeds’ potential interest in Adams, Romano said: “His relationship with Marsch is great. There are no negotiations between the two clubs at the moment, but we know that the relationship is great and it could be a really interesting opportunity.
“Leeds need to understand what they want to do with Phillips because he’s on the list of many top clubs. So, let’s see what happens with Phillips and then we will understand if they jump into this Tyler Adams opportunity or not.”
Phillips heir
Considering just how talented a player Adams evidently is, should Phillips go on to secure a move away from Elland Road this summer, it would appear an extremely wise move for Victor Orta to activate the 23-year-old’s reported £34m release clause.
Indeed, FBref rank the £26m-rated American in the top 2% of midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues for blocks per 90 minutes, as well as the top 18% for passes attempted, the top 25% for passes completed, the top 20% for pressures, the top 25% for progressive carries and the top 39% for aerial duels won over the last 365 days.
Do you think Adams would be a good replacement for Phillips?
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Furthermore, as Romano suggests, it is clear that Marsch is a huge fan of the £38k-per-week talent, with the 48-year-old stating of the defensive midfielder – who can also operate at right-back – during his time at RB Leipzig:
“The ceiling is massive for him, everyone can see that. I obviously played a part in Tyler and the relationship with the club and the eventual move to come here. I knew he’d do well.
“I think he’s exceeded my expectations, our expectations. There’s been some talk [saying that] I’ve done so much to help Tyler adapt and do well here. I don’t think it’s hurt, but Tyler is the reason Tyler has been successful.
“He’s a special person, he’s a special personality, he’s a special talent and the ceiling for him is massive. Massive here in Leipzig and in the Bundesliga and beyond. So I’m proud to be connected with him and to have played a role in his development and I can’t wait to see where he goes from here.”
As such, it is clear to see just how well suited Adams would be to Marsch’s setup at Elland Road, leading us to believe that, should Phillips indeed move onto pastures new in the coming months, Orta simply must sanction a Whites swoop for the “big-time” – in the words of Doug McIntyre – player this summer.
AND in other news: “Mentioned to me…”: Phil Hay drops big Leeds transfer claim, supporters will love it