USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams’ deal with Chelsea is said to have fallen through

Tyler Adams isn’t headed to Chelsea after all.

Reportedly, the USMNT captain’s deal to join the Blues this season closed on Friday ESPN’s Tom Hamilton and James Uley. Talks between the two clubs broke down, apparently after the two sides fell out over transfer fee structures.

The failed deal came just weeks after teammate and fellow captain Christian Pulisic left for Milan for $21.9. million transfers. Chelsea reportedly activated a touchdown release clause in Adams’ contract, according to Italian football reporter Fabrizio Romano, for around $25.5 million. That deal, however, is now gone.

Adams, 24, was trying to join Chelsea because Leeds were relegated to the second tier of the English Premier League, the EFL Championship, after the club finished 19th in the Premier League table. There was a release clause in his contract allowing another team to pay Leeds a certain amount for Adams’ services, as long as Adams agreed to the terms of the new contract.

Adams spent last season with Leeds after four seasons with RB Leipzig of the Bundesliga. He started his professional career with New York Red Bulls of MLS.

Adams is perhaps best known for his time in the USMNT. He broke into one of the team captains and anchored the midfield alongside Younis Musa and Weston McKinney as the United States advanced to the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He was also voted as US Soccer Player of the Year in January.

With the Chelsea deal now collapsing, Adams is reported to still be trying to get back into the Premier League. Brighton seem interested in catching him, especially if the club lose Moises Caicedo as expected. Caicedo is linked to both Liverpool and Chelsea.