Ralph Hasenhuttl took to the media ahead of Southampton’s trip to Leicester City on Thursday, and as expected, was quizzed on the future of Che Adams.
The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Leeds United in recent weeks, with The Athletic’s Phil Hay even claiming earlier this week that Adams is ‘keen’ on a move to Elland Road.
However, when asked by Radio Solent’s Adam Blackmore if there’s anyway Adams can leave St Mary’s on loan, Hasenhuttl ruled out an exit.
No. Absolutely no because we need every player. Not only just because of injury, but he can help us. Even though he hasn’t scored he played a very good game against Chelsea.
He’s a positive guy and I want him here. We’re working with him every day, showing him videos and telling him what he has to do.
This is something of an investment in the future. We were convinced when we took him and we’re still convinced about him.
The quotes were picked up by BBC reporter Adam Pope, who shared the quotes on social media.
This allowed Leeds fans to respond, and these Whites supporters urged the club to move on to the next attacking target.
Twitter: @apopey @AdamBlackmore Move on to someone else Leeds (@jpowell100)
Twitter: @apopey @AdamBlackmore Please can we not spend the whole month caught up on him, plenty of others move on. (@bethgabriel_)
Twitter: @apopey @AdamBlackmore Don’t waste time need someone in ASAP if Bamford gets a knock (@KevBillo)
Twitter: @apopey @AdamBlackmore right no point hanging around … now get onto the next 1 an seal a deal
(@scotty782lufc)
Twitter: @apopey @LeeSobotYEP @AdamBlackmore Just move on then. We cant mess about again (@bates_scott88)
Twitter: @apopey @AdamBlackmore Time to move on. Can’t be doing what we did this time last year. (@markydh)
Read Southampton verdict
Adams’ possible switch to Elland Road has already had many twists and turns, and we feel as though this is only the beginning.
The striker has failed to score in 15 Premier League games for the Saints, via Whoscored.com, and if Hasenhuttl can bring in a new forward, we think he may reconsider his stance on the former Birmingham man.
A temporary move to Leeds, we feel, would help Adams get his goalscoring know-how back on track, with the powerful striker scoring 22 times in the second-tier last season, via Whoscored.com.
If he does end up moving to Yorkshire, it looks as if he’d also be the perfect fit in Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
Stats from the last 12 months show how he’d be able to rival Patrick Bamford for a starting spot, and despite his latest comments, we feel as if a move still has legs.
