Leeds United have been linked with a move for Scotland international, Che Adams, regardless of whether they earn promotion to the Premier League or not.
Adams looks set to leave Southampton on a free transfer at the end of the season, and with Leeds’ current crop of forwards misfiring, he could prove to be shrewd business.
Of course, it’s never that simple, and Leeds reportedly face stiff competition from Wolves for the 27-year-old’s signature. Of the two clubs, Leeds United would likely be able to offer more playing opportunities.
Here we compare Adams’ to Leeds’ current crop of forwards.
Joel Piroe
Joel Piroe. Credit: Imago Images
The big Dutchman was brought in from Swansea for a reported £12 million to help get the goals. Since then, he has mostly been playing in the number 10 position.
After a strong start to the season, the goals have started to dry up, with only one goal in his past 11 appearances for the club. That goal came in the 2-1 defeat to Coventry City.
Despite that, 12 goals and three assists isn’t a bad return for his first season at the club. People forget Piroe is only 24 years old, there is plenty of time for him to develop into a goalscorer.
Georginio Rutter
Georginio Rutter. Credit: Imago Images
Rutter is another player who’s played a lot of football up top and just behind the number nine. The Frenchman has been one of Leeds’ best performers so far this season, making up for a disappointing start to his Leeds United career.
Six goals and 15 assists in the Championship so far this season go to show that Rutter is more of a creator than a natural-born goalscorer.
At just 21-years-old, Rutter still has room to improve. Promotion to the Premier League will likely mean that happens at Leeds.
Patrick Bamford
Patrick Bamford. Credit: Imago Images
Last time Leeds United were in the Championship, Bamford was Marcelo Bielsa’s main man up top, this time around, he’s become more of a bit-part player.
He divides opinion, but with only 14 starts under his belt so far this season, Bamford has managed to score a healthy seven goals and one assist.
Whether Leeds United get promoted or not, they will likely have to upgrade on the man that once led them to the promised land.
Che Adams
Che Adams. Credit: Imago Images
Ironically, unlike Leeds’ current forwards, Adams has been playing his best football of the season over the past few games. With five goals in his last five games, Adams has put Southampton back into promotion contention.
So far this season, he’s bagged 15 goals and three assists in 36 starts. That’s more than any other Leeds United forward in terms of goals scored. Only Rutter beats him for goal contributions.
What Adams has that Leeds’ other strikers don’t have, is the pace to keep up with Daniel James and Crysencio Summerville. He would be a great asset.
