Southampton manager Russell Martin admits he would be ‘gutted to lose’ Che Adams as Everton offer £12 million to bring the Scotland international back to the Premier League.
After scoring just five times in 28 top-flight games as Southampton finished bottom of the table last season, it’s fair to see Che Adams is not the sort of signing that will do much to ease the concerns of Everton supporters fearing another year of struggle.
According to talkSPORT, Sean Dyche’s side submitted a £12 million bid on Thursday night. The Toffees are reportedly confident that a deal can be agreed; Premier League football a boost to Adams’ hopes of leading the line for Scotland at Euro 2024.
But what Adams lacks in goal threat, he arguably makes up for in other areas. At his best, the former Sheffield United forward is an excellent link man, a prodigious worker, and a player capable of bringing the best out of those around him. As he did with Danny Ings at Southampton.
Everton bid for Southampton ace Che Adams
Saints boss Martin has only been working with Adams for a number of weeks. But he would be disappointed in the extreme to see the Leicester-born frontman follow Romeo Lavia, Tino Livramento and James Ward-Prowse out the door.
“I don’t know anything about the bid as it would have happened late last night,” Martin tells the Daily Echo, insisting that he is yet to discuss Adams’ future with director Jason Wilcox.
“It will all depend on how close the bid is to our valuation. I’d love to keep him, given the impact he’s had in two games. He’s a really good player and his energy has been great. So I’d be gutted to lose him.
“At the same time, if he goes, it will be for a sum of money that the club deem appropriate and a sum of money which can presumably mean we can replace him.
“Ideally you want to keep some players and some players are real value in terms of character. But we have to be prepared if we do lose him, and I think we will be.”
Sean Dyche needs more goals
Everton have already signed Youssouf Chermiti, Jack Harrison and Arnaut Danjuma to boost Dyche’s attacking options. Last week’s frustrating 1-0 defeat to Fulham highlighted the need for another number nine, however; Dominic Calvert-Lewin absent again and Neal Maupay proving to be about as lethal as a rifle with wonky sights.
Adams, meanwhile, is more affordable to a cash-strapped Everton than, say, a Hugo Ekitike. According to The Athletic, Everton fear they will miss out on the PSG youngster. The Ligue 1 champions are demanding around £30 million.
“There’s been discussions between us about what the future holds, and everyone has decided to keep their options open; Che and the club,” Martin adds.
Adams, who joined from Birmingham in 2019 for £15 million, has just one year left on his contract.
“If he’s still here in two weeks, it will be a conversation that is ongoing. He’s really happy here and is a big part of the dressing room.
“He’s enjoying what he is doing and has got a couple of goals already so is growing in confidence. But we have to see what happens, right?”
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