Leeds United prepares “opening” bid for Kalvin Phillips’ replacement

With Manchester City signing midfielder Kalvin Phillips from Leeds United, the Whites have now identified their replacement in Tyler Adams and prepare their first bid to try to sign the next American target.

Jesse Marsch, who is said to be a massive fan of RB Leipzig’s Tyler Adams, sees him as the perfect player to take over from Phillips, who was pictured days ago arriving in Manchester for his City medical and to complete his £45m transfer.

"Leeds are preparing opening bid for Tyler Adams, he’s included in the list of three potential new signings. The plan of Jesse Marsch is to replace Kalvin Phillips with Adams, he’s big fan of USMNT midfielder.(Via: @FabrizioRomano)"

As of all reports: Leeds have opened talks with the Bundesliga club and are ready to submit their first bid for the USMNT international; they are looking to pay around £15m (€17,42) for Tyler Adams.

Why Tyler Adams will be intrigued by a Leeds Switch

Firstly, the US connection is growing strong and strong under head coach, Jesse Marsch. Secondly, he will get to operate in his preferred position in the midfield, as an out-and-out number 6. He has spoken out about this before during his four-season spell in the Bundesliga while at RB Leipzig.

Adams, at 23 years old, will offer the Whites versatility in the defensive areas on the pitch. He has been deployed as a centre-back, right-back and central defensive midfielder for the Red Bull club, and has done a decent job for them wherever he was needed.

"RB Leipzig’s USA international Tyler Adams says he is happy to line up anywhere in Julian Nagelsmann’s team, but insists “playing as a number six is still my favourite position”.A lot of players operate in different positions with us and I have to be able to play in various positions too.”Nevertheless, having been schooled as a defensive midfielder in the New York Red Bulls academy, and having played there in 19 of his 26 Bundesliga outings to date, it remains his preferred role in the side, saying: “playing as a number six is still my favourite position.”(Via: bundesliga.com)"

Leeds will not need him to be all over the pitch as Leipzig has in the past unless they suffer from the same injury crises they did this past term. They will fulfil his wish of wanting to play in his favourite position on a regular basis, possibly being one of the players to build the team around.

Adams comes with loads of experience

The American midfielder, despite only being 23, comes with heaps of experience at the highest level. After moving from the MLS in 2018, he has spent four seasons in the German Bundesliga while playing three seasons back-to-back in the Champions League for them.

He has managed to stay fit for long periods and has shown he will improve season after season. During his time at the Red Bull Arena, he has made 103 appearances with 66 of them being starts. He offers a solution for now and long term.

If they complete the signing of Tyler Adams he will be the second USMNT international, the third player from one of the Red Bull clubs, and the club’s fourth summer arrival after Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and Marc Roca.