After a disastrous 2022–23 season, Leeds United was forced to deal with a huge exodus during the summer transfer window as a number of first-team players opted to leave the club rather than continue their careers in the Championship.
Although they were mostly to blame for the club’s relegation to the second tier due to the mayhem in the dugout, those individuals couldn’t seem to leave fast enough, as 15 senior players left before the September deadline.
Several players who had only been hired over the previous 12 months during the disastrous tenure of Jesse Marsch were among those to go, with the likes of Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen heading out on loan after their disastrous debut seasons.
Marc Roca and Max Wober, two players who were also signed by American, also left the team. The inclusion of these players eventually proved to be a waste of money for the Leeds management team as they were unable to prevent the drop.
Tyler Adams, a United States international, was a player that the Whites were perhaps more disappointed to see go since, according to commentator Kevin Campbell, the 24-year-old was a “instrumental” element of Leeds’ midfield machine the previous season.
While it was undoubtedly disappointing to see the former RB Leipzig player leave during the most recent transfer window, it appears that Yorkshire did themselves proud by selling the talented midfielder despite his sharp decline in value since leaving Elland Road.
What did Leeds spend on Tyler Adams?
Prior to finally moving to Leeds last summer, the New York native had spent the previous three years in Germany. The defensively-minded star had initially started his career on the books at MLS club New York Red Bulls.
The American was sought after by Marsch and company to take the place of Kalvin Phillips in the middle of the field after the latter’s £45 million departure to Manchester City. In 103 appearances for Leipzig in all competitions, the American has two goals and four assists to his name.
Adams, who had previously worked with the then-Leeds manager, seemed eager to reunite with his countryman when a £15 million deal was ultimately finalized, and the two joined Aaronson in moving to Elland Road that summer.
How effective for Leeds was Tyler Adams?
Initially, the Whites’ decision to sign the 5′ 9″ phenom proved to be a real masterstroke as the “tackling machine”—as Campbell dubbed him—firmly established himself as a truly dominant and devastating asset in front of the back four.
Adams, who had previously worked with the then-Leeds manager, seemed eager to reunite with his countryman when a £15 million deal was ultimately finalized, and the two joined Aaronson in moving to Elland Road that summer.
How effective for Leeds was Tyler Adams?
Initially, the Whites’ decision to sign the 5′ 9″ phenom proved to be a real masterstroke as the “tackling machine”—as Campbell dubbed him—firmly established himself as a truly dominant and devastating asset in front of the back four.
“Watching him every week, I have to say that he’s one of the best defensive midfielders in the league right now. He’s combative, he reads the game, he’s never flat-footed. He has seamlessly filled Kalvin Phillips’ shoes and is doing what he used to do. We probably didn’t anticipate somebody to be as skilled in that area as Kalvin was.
The fact that the 36-cap international finished the season tied for fourth in the division for tackles made, alongside Casemiro, despite missing the final 12 games of the campaign, speaks much about his character.
Adams, who made 24 appearances in the league that year and averaged 5.2 tackles and interceptions per game, was undoubtedly essential to the club’s early success, which is why things fell apart after his injury setback in March.
Leeds only managed to win two of the final 12 games he missed, and it may even be claimed that this loss ultimately led to their relegation because so few players were able to step up in his place.
What price did Leeds receive for Adams?
After that disappointing conclusion to 2022–23, rumors of Adams’ impending departure were, naturally, rampant. A shocking transfer to rival Manchester United was also hotly discussed.
Despite coming close to completing a high-profile transfer to free-spending Chelsea, the deal fell through. Ultimately, AFC Bournemouth won the chase for his signature as the transfer window came to a conclusion paying a reportedly £24 million fee.
