Leeds United could retain the services of key midfielder Tyler Adams even if they are relegated to the Championship this season.
That is according to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs, who told GiveMeSport Leeds would be reluctant to let him leave given his long-term contract at Elland Road and sees him as someone who would ‘thrive’ in the Championship.
Adams put pen-to-paper on a five-year-deal at Leeds last summer after joining in a £20 million deal from Red Bull Leipzig.
His performances have quickly turned him into a fan favourite in West Yorkshire but saw his season cut short in March after undergoing surgery on his hamstring.
Adams to stay at Leeds even if relegated
There is likely to be a huge turnover of players at Leeds if they are relegated from the Premier League this season.
However, Adams could be one who actually remains at Elland Road and having a player of his quality in the Championship would stand them in good stead for an immediate return to the top-flight.
Jacobs believes that while Adams’ future will also depend on what he wants to do, Leeds will not ‘want to let him go’ even if they go down.
He said: “I would expect any relegation for Leeds to impact [Weston] McKennie a little bit more than Adams because the latter is locked in at Leeds, and I think Adams would perhaps relish the Championship and thrive in the Championship.
“He’s a leader, he’s a battler and Leeds won’t want to let him go. Obviously, the player perspective and offers will always be a factor in all of this, but I don’t see Adams as being first one out the door or anything like that, quite the opposite.
“I think that Leeds would see him as highly valuable in the Championship.”
This is good news. If Leeds are relegated there will undoubtedly be key departures, but ultimately, they can’t lose everybody.
Watford, for example, have been able to retain the services of Joao Pedro and Ismaila Sarr for two Championship seasons despite Premier League interest, and Leeds will need to be firm.
That said, Adams is the captain of USMNT and he may need to seek assurances that his place in that side is safe before committing his future to Leeds.