Head coach Steve Barker has warned star midfielder Jayden Adams against a rumoured move to Mamelodi Sundowns while encouraging a transfer to European football.
The 23-year-old midfielder has been superb for the CAF Champions League-chasing Stellenbosch this season in the DStv Premiership.
Adams’ form has reportedly made him a transfer target for the Brazilians.
Barker’s second-placed side though, are in a position to demand a significant fee for their academy product, who they are encouraging to seek a move to Europe to further his development.
“As a club, the more you achieve by winning trophies, securing top positions, and having players represent Bafana Bafana their worth naturally increases.
“It won’t be as easy as it was in the past. There are players sitting on the bench at Sundowns who cost R40 million. Why should Jayden Adams be valued any less, maybe even more?”
The reigning DStv Premiership champions recently splashed the cash for recent signing Matías Esquivel – at a reported €2.3 million (R45 million) – and fellow South American Marcelo Allende for €2.9 million (R57 million)
“Jayden has ambitions to play in Europe. At his age, a move to Europe would be more beneficial for his career. I’d advise him to prioritise that over the local option.
“You don’t want him going to Sundowns and only getting 13 or 14 league matches a season.”
Jayden Adams pulled out the acrobatics in our last meeting against Royal AM 🤸♂️ pic.twitter.com/Kko4F1Nraw
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) March 28, 2024
