With the 2015 summer transfer window closing this week, should Leeds United be looking ahead? What I’m saying is should the Whites be thinking about their first 2016 transfer?
The player in mind is Tom Adeyemi who is on a season-long loan from Cardiff City, albeit with an option to buy at the loan’s end. Since arriving at Elland Road, the 23-year old has settled in to a defensive midfield holding role, sitting in front of the central defenders and mopping up opposing attacks. To this end he has made nine of the 10 tackles he’s attempted (90% success), made 10 interceptions and has won 10 of the 15 (66.7% success) headed balls that he has contested.
Adeyemi’s defensive strengths, noted above, plus the fact that he likes to get forward, has seen him become an ever-present for Leeds this term, racking up a full complement of 450 minutes of play from the Whites’ opening five Championship games. With him being selected for every game, he is helping to keep one of last season’s shining stars, Alex Mowatt, on the bench. So, with this in mind, should Leeds United be looking ahead to the future and firming up interest in the Cardiff City youngster?
Adeyemi himself, according to a recent article in the Yorkshire Evening Post, is open to a longer deal with the YEP saying that he, “came to Elland Road with a view to a permanent transfer.” He is still under contract to Cardiff until 2017 but, if Adeyemi continues these impressive displays, then Leeds’ hand might be forced somewhat.
Adeyemi wouldn’t be amiss to this happening, admitting that joining Leeds is “definitely something I’m thinking about.” In the YEP article, he goes on to say,
“I think a lot depends on how I perform. I’ve got to make sure I get myself in a position where the club are thinking about me in terms of a long-term proposition. Obviously I’m still under contract with Cardiff and I don’t really know what the thoughts are there but I’m thoroughly enjoying my time here – as much as I’ve enjoyed playing anywhere else. It’s definitely something I’m thinking about.” Tom Adeyemi: Yorkshire Evening Post – August 31, 2015
With Adeyemi admitting that a long-term move is in his plans and with his early form suggesting that he’s benefitting the team, is this a sign Leeds United should be warming up the irons in the fire? Should Uwe Rösler be ear-marking Adeyemi for a longer stay at Elland Road, beyond his initial season-long loan deal. The youngster wants to work with Rösler, telling the YEP, “I believe he’ll be successful here so I want to be part of it.”
My question to Leeds United fans is this: after a successful summer transfer window in 2015, is it too early to look at 2016?
All quotations from the Yorkshire Evening Post article ‘Leeds United: Surprise summer loan star open to long-term deal’ by Phil Hay
