“Maybe it’s time” – Claim made on Che Adams’ Southampton FC future
The Saints striker is out of contract at St. Mary’s, and has been linked with a move away this summer.
Southampton striker Che Adams is set to become a free agent this summer, attracting interest from Premier League clubs in the Scotland international.
The 27-year-old has been a key player for the Saints over his five-year tenure, delivering solid goal and assist stats in both the Premier League and the Championship.
Despite Southampton securing their top-flight status next season with a play-off win over Leeds United, it remains uncertain if Adams will be part of the team.
FLW has consulted Southampton fan pundit Martin Sanders to get his perspective on the likely outcome of the Adams situation this summer.
Fan pundit believes Adams will leave
Speaking to FLW, Martin said about Adams’ future: “I think Che Adams will leave regardless. Personally, I believe he’s aiming for a move back to the Midlands.
“He’s been fantastic for us, but perhaps it’s time for him to move on. Although I’d like him to stay, I don’t think he’ll score enough goals in the Premier League.
“We definitely need a goalscorer. We need to find a striker who can consistently find the back of the net.”
A move back to the Midlands seems likely this summer, with Wolverhampton Wanderers reportedly in advanced talks to sign Adams.
While a return to Southampton hasn’t been completely ruled out, Adams is clearly exploring his options and considering the interest he’s receiving.
Saints will need to replace Adams
Having one proven striker at your club at any given time is always far easier said than done, as clubs across the globe are in constant search for their next goalscoring phenomenon.
But in Southampton’s case, they have three. Adams has been working alongside Adam Armstrong and Ross Stewart at St. Mary’s, albeit with the latter having missed practically all of last season through injury.
| Record in English football (all senior comps), per Transfermarkt | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Player | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Che Adams | 369 | 102 | 38 |
| Adam Armstrong | 398 | 122 | 47 |
| Ross Stewart | 84 | 40 | 8 |
It would be former Blackburn Rovers striker Armstrong who would end the 2023/24 season as Saints’ top scorer, with 21 goals and 13 assists to his name.
Compared to Adams’ 16 goals and four assists, – still an impressive return – Armstrong stamped his authority on who was to be Southampton’s main man in the Championship last season, but he has struggled to make the step up to top-flight level in the past.
Per Transfermarkt, Adams has 25 goals in 124 Premier League appearances, which doesn’t jump off the screen but compared to Armstrong’s return of four goals in 68 top-flight appearances, all of a sudden Adams looks to be potentially the better option.
What a way to bell out🤝 He’s had his doubters and his critics for sure but Che Adams can leave with everyone’s blessing and his head held high. Promised to get this club back to where it belongs! He also played his part outstanding this year. Thankyou Che❤️#SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/L0Cu4TC8A8 — Mitchell Symonds (@MSymonds10) May 26, 2024
As for the third name in this equation, Stewart, the fellow Scotsman has yet to play in the Premier League and has made only 19 first-team appearances over the last two seasons for Sunderland and Southampton.
Consequently, he is considered a high-risk gamble, and the Saints would likely be prudent to hedge their bets on him through the transfer market.
Therefore, despite Adams not being the most prolific striker, he might still be the best option for the Saints heading into the top-flight next season. Should he depart, manager Russell Martin will need to find a suitable replacement.
GET MORE NEWS HERE
Leave a Reply