Bad things happen to all of us in life, but those instances of adversity are made so much worse when we had highly optimistic expectations. Last week, Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams completed his medical for his new club, Chelsea FC, and he was preparing to sign the newly drafted contract.
Then Chelsea changed their mind, pulled their interest in the United States Men’s National Team Captain, and decided to use that money earmarked for the USA star on other midfielder acquisitions: Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.
Man that really had to suck for him! Chelsea also withdrew from the deal due to concerns about how long it might take for Tyler Adams to heal up from his hamstring injury, a problem that forced him out for much of last season. But hey, at least he’ll still get to stay up in the top flight next season (in spite of Leeds getting relegated), as another Premier League club have come calling.
Bournemouth are set to trigger his £20 million release clause, just like Chelsea did.
Bournemouth have followed Chelsea in triggering Tyler Adams’ release clause for £20m ??? #AFCB
Club now optimistic to get deal done as player is keen on the move at this stage.
Chelsea left negotiations for Adams as they wanted to sign Caicedo and Lavia. pic.twitter.com/1RjBPmhlk9
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 14, 2023
If that release clause seems low, it’s because of the option provided in the contract should relegation occur, as it did. Adams was not present at training today for Leeds, as it assumed, he’s at Bournemouth working on finalizing his move.
He is believed to already have agreed personal terms.
Training for the Leeds squad today begun at 2:30pm.
Tyler Adams has not been at Thorpe Arch at all today ahead of his pending transfer to Bournemouth.
Willy Gnonto and Luis Sinisterra trained alone, away from the squad, this morning leaving at 10am.
The duo have not returned…
— LUFCFANZONE (@LUFCFANZ0NE) August 15, 2023
And with this, we will have “Leeds United States of America” no more.
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now. Follow the website on Twitter and Instagram.