Leeds’ Tyler Adams suffers hamstring injury setback amid possible move to Newcastle United after admitting that he liked playing at St. James’ Park last season
US midfielder Tyler Adams has suffered an injury setback in a blow to Leeds United’s chances to bounce back to the Premier League from the Championship this season, amid a potential move away from the club this summer.
Adams, 24, has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since March, missing crucial matches for the Whites’ run-in before they suffered relegation on the last day of the 2022-23 season.
He was expected to return in time for Leeds’ preseason preparations after opting to go under the knife to accelerate his recovery, but according to manager Daniel Farke, that will no longer be the case.
Over the weekend, the new Leeds boss told reporters after a 2-0 loss to Monaco: ‘Jackson Harrison and Tyler Adams are still on their way back. They are still doing their rehab so they will definitely miss the start of the season.
‘It’s a bit too early to judge when they will be back. I expect them to perhaps be back after the first international break.
‘Obviously, Jack and Tyler, top-class players and top characters so not easy for us to start without them. That’s the reality.’
Adams is now expected to comeback into the fold in September. He was spotted at the Travelers Championship in the US in June.
His return will be welcomed by Farke, who aims to get Leeds back into the top flight at first attempt, having guided Norwich to the Premier League in the past.
That said, Adams will hope that he won’t suffer any other setbacks as the new season approaches the fall. Club officials are also not in a rush for the American, who can also play in defense, to come back into the team’s starting XI anytime soon.
Adams was on Newcastle United’s list of midfield transfer targets before the Magpies went all out to sign Sandro Tonali from AC Milan for £55million ($70.7M), according to The Shields Gazette.
It’s widely believed that the player is still on the club’s radar and could be available for a cut-price deal or loan due to Leeds’ demotion last season.
Adams joined Leeds from RB Leipzig last summer for £20M ($25.7M) prior to making 24 Premier League appearances and having his season cut short by injury.
And the US international praised the atmosphere around St James’ park after playing there for Leeds in a 0-0 draw on New Year’s Eve.
When asked which venue is his favourite place to play, Adams recently told The New York Red Bulls podcast: ‘Newcastle was bumping this year. They’re doing things the right way and I think they have the recognition now of ”our team is good and Champions League is in our sights.”
‘They came out and there was a full [flag] display. The fans were crazy – that was probably the loudest. It’s never ending [the crowd] you look up and it’s just black. The fans keep going and you’re staring into an abyss.’
Adams would fit in with the Geordies due to his experience of playing in Europe’s most prestigious competition back when he was playing at Leipzig. He’s also been linked with a move to Aston Villa, West Ham and Brighton.
