Leeds United are not considering a move for Southampton attacker Adam Armstrong, according to journalist Graham Smyth.
The Whites currently sit top of the Championship by two points and entered Transfer Deadline Day on the back of a 7-0 win over Cardiff City. As such, it is believed that transfer activity has taken a back seat, with Daniel Farke having a wealth of talent at his disposal.
Despite that, they have been linked with a number of players throughout the day, including Southampton duo Adam Armstrong and Cameron Archer. News emerged earlier today that it was more likely that Armstrong would be the one to depart St Mary’s today, which immediately saw several Championship clubs linked.
Armstrong To Return To The Championship?
The 27-year-old played a key role in Southampton’s promotion last season, which coincidentally saw him score the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Leeds in the play-off final. Having hit the back of the net 24 times last season, he was hoping to earn another shot at the Premier League having failed to shine in the top tier since moving from Blackburn Rovers in 2021.
He has scored twice so far this season, although was left on the bench for Saturday’s win over Ipswich Town. This has sparked rumours that a temporary move could be on the cards, with Leeds, Sunderland, Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion all named as potential suitors.
However, it appears as if the league leaders have ruled out a move. According to Graham Smyth, the Yorkshire-based team are not in the running and it still looks as though it will be a quiet evening at Elland Road.
As things stand Leeds United won’t be signing Adam Armstrong. Still looking like a quiet deadline day.#lufc
— Graham Smyth (@GrahamSmyth) February 3, 2025
Other reports have also stated that West Brom and Sunderland have pulled out of the running, although Sun journalist Jack Rosser claims that the Black Cats have launched a late loan bid which is unlikely to go through.
Writer’s View
Adam Armstrong is a proven talent in the Championship, but the Saints reported decision to allow him to leave today looks to have come too late in the window. It is likely that the Premier League side would want a significant proportion of his wages paying on top of a loan fee, leaving little time for negotiations. Leeds showed at the weekend that they are well stacked in the attacking areas of the pitch and unless they were to suffer any significant injuries, that is unlikely to change.
