Ben Parker has told Thursday’s LS11 podcast that he has “spoken” to Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams, saying the USA skipper loves the club – but understands that the lure of the Premier League will make it hard to keep him.
Adams, 24, is one of a number of players expected to leave Leeds this summer. Half of the Premier League, if not more have been linked with him at this stage. The Mail say Brighton, Everton, Forest and Villa want the £25m man.
But of course, Adams has plenty of time left on his Leeds contract and the club are said to be working hard to keep him at Elland Road. His tough-tackling, hard-working style of play would be well suited to the Championship season.
Ex-Leeds man Parker was asked about the future of Adams, and says he has spoken to the USA captain. He says the midfielder loves being at Leeds – and suggested that Leeds give him the vice captain role as an “incentive”.
“That’s the thing [hard to keep him], especially when Premier League clubs come knocking. Tyler loves Leeds. He’s loved being in the area. Every time I’ve spoken to him, he says he loves the area, loves being out in the community.
“He absolutely loves being a part of it. but if Premier League clubs come knocking at your door, it’s so difficult. The transfer fee, the wages involved. I hope we can keep him, he would be a huge player,” Parker continued on LS11.
“Coops is our captain, but give him that leadership role on the pitch. If Coops doesn’t play – give him the armband. Give him that incentive. Sell it to him, like you sold it to Kalvin. Stay, get promoted, you become an absolute hero.”
Parker: Adams loves Leeds but understands it will be hard to keep him
It is nice to hear that Adams loves the club, the area and the community – from someone that has spoken to him. But realistically, Adams will be sold. Leeds need the funds. He is the player generating the most interest in him.
A fee of £25m would seriously help balance the books and allow the club to reinvest. That fee would allow Leeds to sign maybe four, five new players – without having to put money in. Keep him if we can, but selling is good too.
Which club would be his best move? Of the four mentioned, Brighton would be superb. A replacement for Moises Caicedo at a club in the Europa League. Forest and Everton should be avoided, he has easily surpassed both.
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