As per a previous report by Birmingham Mail, Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United and Middlesbrough were among a host of clubs that were interested in signing Aston Villa ace Albert Adomah. However, the move has not worked out as the player eventually stayed put at Villa Park.
After enjoying a stellar season, new contract talks between Adomah and Villa failed to materialize, alerting a host of sides this summer (h/t Birmingham Mail). In the last term, he scored a personal career-best of 14 goals and provided a further five assists to help Villa to promotion playoffs.
Indeed, the Ghana international had looked destined for an exit until new owners saved the club from financial ruin. However, despite new contract talks for Jack Grealish and James Chester, no contract was forthcoming for Adomah (h/t Birmingham Mail). He has a year left on his current contract and with an option for a further one year.
The Whites have gone on to convincingly win both their Championship matches so far. The Elland Road outfit barely missed Adomah’s input as they saw off Stoke City 3-1 in the season opener. Bielsa’s side then thrashed Derby County 4-1 last time out. The Whites sit second on the log only after Middlesbrough, who have already played a game more.
On paper, adding Adomah to a Leeds side that lacked goals last season, seemed like a coup the peacocks had missed out on. However, the former Bristol City player has been on a goalless streak. In recent times, Adomah has appeared to lack confidence in the attack. He failed to net in the 3-2 win against newly-promoted Wigan Athletic despite coming on as a substitute for almost half an hour. This extends his goal-drought to 15 games without scoring.
Given his recent form, it is great that Leeds have managed to dodge a bullet. At the moment, the winger must fight to nail a regular spot in Steve Bruce’s plans. After, he should be used to this after fighting from the fringes last time to help Villa’s promotion push.
It feels like he is only a goal away from regaining his confidence and opening the floodgates. A dip in form is something almost every other African player suffers from, which can be attributed to their lack of proper academy football.
Even the mighty Sadio Mane suffers an occasional drop in performances. Every first touch seems a little too heavy and every decision appears wrong. For now, however, Leeds United made the right decision by not signing Adomah this season. A real blessing in disguise for the club.
