2 weeks Ago
Insiders have informed the Siya crew the reason behind Mamelodi Sundowns' insistence on roping in Stellenbosch and Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams. Sundowns currently boast a 40-man squad filled with some of the country's best talents - some of whom can hardly get a look in the current squad, which raises questions around the club's insistence on Adams. To add to it, the Brazilians have a plethora of international talents at their disposal, many of whom can play a similar role to the Bafana Bafana man.
However, insiders have provided clarity on Sundowns' pursuit of the midfielder, which is based largely used on a recruitment approach by the club using player metrics, of which Adams boasts some of the highest in the league. "There is a lot of data involved behind it. Very few midfielders have his type of numbers and they [the technical team] look beyond just goals and assists.
If you had to look at his goals and assists, you could question why they are so desperate to have him. However, there are other aspects that have triggered the interest, many of which are not easily seen with the naked eye," the insider said. According to official stats, with 35 appearances to his name, Adams made the most appearances for Stellies of all the in-field players.
But it's not his appearances that has Downs intrigued. It is the fact that no Stellies player created more chances (13) than Adams, and he was also amongst the league's leading men in terms of chances created, something that the likes of Iqraam Rayners and Devin Titus greatly benefitted from. The same supply is something that Sundowns' forwards could benefit from if they are to reach their objectives of delving into - and winning - the six remaining competitions they are currently part of.
As reported by the Siya crew, Stellies value Adams at R30 million, a figure that is being deemed too steep by Sundowns at this point. With hours to go before the close of the transfer window, it remains to be seen whether Sundowns can convince Stellies to part ways with yet another of their prized possessions..
