Four Premier League clubs could be set to hand USMNT star Tyler Adams a chance to return to the top flight after Leeds United were relegated.
The 36-time international was one of the Yorkshire club's better performers during an otherwise tumultuous campaign at Elland Road last term. Brought in initially by compatriot Jesse Marsch from RB Leipzig last summer, the US midfielder's injury in March proved costly for the Whites as they dropped into the second tier on the final day of the season.
He underwent surgery on a hamstring complaint and missed the final twelve games of the season, during which the club went through two managers in the form of Sam Allardyce and Javi Gracia. A torrid run of form would ensue, with the team picking up just eight points during this run.
Signed initially as an effective replacement for Manchester City-bound Kalvin Phillips, Adams made 24 appearances in the Premier League for Leeds. Despite the club's relegation, his performances have meant that Brighton, Aston Villa, Everton and Nottingham Forest are all keeping an eye on the player's availability this summer, according to the Daily Mail.
The Seagulls are the latest club to be mentioned as a potential escape route for the 24-year-old ace, with Roberto De Zerbi weighing up a £25 million ($32 million) move. In the case of the South Coast club, it could be that Adams is signed as the successor to Moises Caicedo, who is expected to leave the club this summer.
Adams signed a five-year contract upon his arrival last summer, meaning Leeds do have some leverage in this respect. However, a release clause in the midfielder's contract may have become active due to the club's relegation to the Championship, leaving them more vulnerable to an eventual sale. According to Bola VIP, it would take £30 million ($38 million) to trigger this clause of USMNT captain's contract.
Adams could be one of many high-profile departures from Elland Road this summer as the club looks to prepare for life in the Championship, with uncertainty also surrounding the futures of stars such as Rodrigo, Wilfried Gnonto, Luis Sinisterra and Illan Meslier.
Adams expressed his regret at the club's relegation at the end of last season, despite being sidelined for the run-in to the season as his team succumbed to the drop. In a message to the fans, the former Red Bull Salzburg star told of his sorrow at having to watch on as his teammates were, ultimately, unable to arrest the slide.
Taking to Twitter, he said: "It's not just been a tough few days reflecting on what happened, it's been a tough couple of months having to watch from the sidelines and be unable to help my team, teammates and you guys, the fans, to keep us in the Premier League.
He added: "All we can say as players is we're sorry. You guys have been incredible all season and deserved more."
