‘What a player’: Chelsea’s Caicedo alternative RAVES about potential teammate
Tom Hancock
- 4 Aug 2023 17:08 BST
- 3 min read
Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams has emerged as an option for Chelsea as they struggle to strike a deal for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo – and an exciting reunion could be on the cards.
The Blues’ first signing of the current transfer window was Christopher Nkunku – who played alongside Adams at RB Leipzig.
They were teammates for three seasons, in fact, both starring as Leipzig won the 2021/22 DFB-Pokal – the Bundesliga club’s first major trophy.
MORE: Top Chelsea transfer target’s ‘exit AGREED’
Speaking about his intuitive link-up with Nkunku, Adams said about one particular pass he played for the France striker: “Christopher Nkunku – what a player he is and how well he reads the game – he immediately sees it and starts [running] in behind the back line.
“That makes the pass obvious for me. I just want to keep my head up when I’m dribbling in this situation. Because my eyes are up, I’m able to slip it in behind.”
Could Adams and Nkunku rekindle their relationship at Stamford Bridge? Well, Chelsea’s long pursuit of Caicedo is still proving fruitless, and they may have little choice but to turn their attention to other targets soon.
MORE: Why loan move could unearth Chelsea's IDEAL Caicedo alternative
A bargain to be had?
Adams – who was named U.S. Soccer’s Male Player of the Year for 2022, which saw him help his country to the last 16 of the World Cup – was one of Leeds’ few standout performers in a poor 2022/23 season which ended in relegation to the Championship.
And the Whites’ demotion to the second tier of English football could well work in Chelsea’s favour: Adams, 24, is said to have a relegation release clause of around £20m.
The Blues made their sixth signing of the summer earlier today (August 4), completing a €45m (£38.7m) deal for France centre-back Axel Disasi.
