With only a few weeks left in the season, it appears that Southampton forward Che Adams will be a free agent come summertime unless a major development occurs in the next few days.
The Scottish international’s contract at St Mary’s expires this summer, and despite the club’s best efforts, he hasn’t signed a new agreement. Although it would be tragic to lose a player of Adams’ caliber for nothing, it appears Southampton is content to lose the former Birmingham City player this summer.
The Telegraph revealed this week that Wolves of the Premier League are leading the competition to sign Adams. Everton and Nottingham Forest are also keen, but their positions in the top division are not yet confirmed, with both sides suffering from points deduction this season.
In the summer of 2019, Southampton reportedly paid £15 million for him, and they had planned to recuperate part of that cost when the player leaves.
No matter what tier Southampton plays in, Southampton fans analyst Martin Sanders thinks there is no possibility Adams stays at St Mary’s for the 2024–2025 season, even though the team is still in contention to be promoted to the Premier League—albeit through the play-offs.
“There’s no chance he stays. There was a contract on the table in the summer, and he was offered the vice captaincy to try and keep him, and he didn’t sign it,” said Martin.
“He didn’t play a lot in the early parts of the season, but he’s been important, and he still is important.
“He had a really big miss and was heavily criticised for the two misses against Middlesbrough on Good Friday, one of which was a bad miss, but he’s been really important this season.
“Che was the scapegoat on Friday and the current scapegoat is Gavin Bazunu.
“Adams won’t stay. I think his agent has been busy trying to get him a move, he will get a move, and he won’t be a Southampton player next season, no matter what division they’re in.”
Che Adams’ 23/24 season at Southampton
Che Adams has enjoyed his best campaign in front of goal for the Saints this season, although the rest of his time at the club has been spent playing in the Premier League.
On Easter Monday, he scored his 13th goal of the season in all competitions against Ipswich, but the setback effectively destroyed their hopes of earning automatic promotion.
Adams hasn’t abandoned his toys or dropped tools, even if it appears likely that he will leave the club in the summer, and he has persisted in giving his all for Russell Martin’s team. He had a strong start to the season, scoring in three straight games, but then went through a difficult phase where he hadn’t scored since December.
He has scored nine goals in all competitions since Christmas, though, as his form has improved.
Even though Adams might not play for Southampton the next season, everyone at the club will be hoping he keeps up his recent success since it would be a suitable manner for him to leave. Adams could assist the team earn promotion in his final season at St Mary’s.