Southampton received plenty of transfer interest in 27-year-old striker Che Adams this summer but managed to keep hold of the Scotland international past deadline day
Che Adams says he is focusing on the here and now rather than thinking about his long-term Southampton future.
The 27-year-old striker was the subject of plenty of transfer interest over the summer, with Premier League sides Everton, AFC Bournemouth and Wolves all trying and failing to prize him away from St Mary’s.
Keeping Adams in the Championship was a big win for Russell Martin, who will rely on the Scotland international’s experience in his young dressing room this season. Indeed, Adams has already contributed five goal involvements in seven league matches for Saints (three goals, two assists) and has worn the armband in the Carabao Cup
There does remain however the question of his long-term future, with Adams’ current deal on the south coast expiring next summer. There is a contract offer on the table from Southampton, though the forward is keeping his options open.
Asked if he’ll sign a new deal with Saints, Adams told the Daily Echo: “It’s difficult to say. We have just come from a busy summer, jam-packed with everything everywhere and it’s about getting my head down and scoring goals. I’ve come off that for the last few weeks.
My football has to be the most important thing, with games coming thick and fast in the Championship it’s hard to sit down and actually reflect on what’s going on or think about the future.
It’s about living now and taking each game as it comes. I’m enjoying my football again and it’s just about scoring goals, getting your name out there and most importantly winning games
Of the transfer interest in him from Premier League clubs, he added: “It’s part and parcel of football and it is nice to have your name out there but it also can be tricky to navigate through that. You just have to get your head down and work hard. Goals help that. To score and assist makes everything much better, and I’m enjoying my football again.”
Southampton are currently going through a difficult spell on the pitch, having lost each of their last four Championship matches to see them drop off from the early pace-setters at the top of the table.