Unai Emery to axe Gerrard signing for Leeds star
Aston Villa now face a decision over Leander Dendoncker’s future in Birmingham as Unai Emery bids to better his side with a transfer for Leeds United star, Tyler Adams.
That is according to Birmingham Live, which now reports that Emery remains interested in a transfer for Adams despite the arrival of Youri Tielemans. The Aston Villa manager is keen to add yet further depth to the midfield following the Belgian’s capture from Leicester City.
Tielemans has joined Aston Villa in a free transfer after allowing his contract with the Foxes to expire. He officially moves to Villa Park on July 1 and will compete for a place in Emery’s engine room. Yet the Spaniard hopes to end the summer with Adams also among his ranks.
Emery is determined to build on Tielemans’ transfer by further strengthening Aston Villa’s midfield with a raid on Leeds for Adams. A swoop for the American would, however, spark serious doubts about Dendoncker remaining in Birmingham within one year of his capture.
Aston Villa paid West Midlands rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers £15m for Steven Gerrard to sign Dendoncker in September 2022. Adams also only signed for Leeds in July 2022 after Jesse Marsch paid £20m to RB Leipzig. He joined the Whites as Kalvin Phillips’ replacement.
Leeds would only win two and draw two of the 12 games that Adams missed as the Whites endured relegation. Now, the 36-cap USMNT anchor is eager to leave Elland Road. Reports by TEAMtalk earlier in June noted that Adams has told Leeds that he wants to leave them.
Adams hopes to join a Premier League club again this summer with Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle United showing some interest. The Daily Mail also listed Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, Everton and Nottingham Forest as suitors for Adams this month.
The Daily Mail further noted that Brighton are among the clubs contemplating a £25m bid. Aston Villa following suit will raise serious doubts about Dendoncker’s future, though, with Emery considering sacrificing Gerrard’s signing to secure a transfer with Leeds for Adams.
