Tyler Adams touched base with compatriots Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie prior to his upcoming move to RB Leipzig. - © © imago
Tyler Adams touched base with compatriots Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie prior to his upcoming move to RB Leipzig. - © © imago

Tyler Adams: "I spoke to Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie about the Bundesliga"

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Soon-to-be RB Leipzig midfielder Tyler Adams has revealed that he sought advice from fellow Americans Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie before sealing his move to the Bundesliga.

The 19-year-old, who is set to link up with Ralf Rangnick's side in January after agreeing a transfer from the New York Red Bulls, told German newspaper Bild: "I spoke to Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie about the league while we were with the national team. They're both good friends of mine. It won't be easy to adapt, but the Bundesliga is well known for giving young players a chance."

Adams, who has nine senior caps with the Stars and Stripes after making his international debut alongside McKennie in November 2017, also revealed that a first taste of life in Germany a few years ago whetted his appetite for more: "I was able to train here when I was 16 and even played against Bayern Munich with the youth team. From that moment on I knew I wanted to come here."

And he has been preparing himself ever since, making his first-team debut with the New York Red Bulls in 2016 and helping the side to the MLS Supporters Shield earlier this year. He has even started taking language lessons to ease his transition to Europe: "I've been learning German for five months. It's very difficult but when I'm in Leipzig I want to speak it as well as possible."

The presence of Leipzig assistant coach Jesse Marsch, who was Adams' mentor in New York prior to his own switch to the Red Bull Arena earlier this year, should also help the youngster settle in the city. "I've spoken to [him] a lot recently. Obviously him being there makes things easier for me. He can translate for me and help me out with other things too."

And although Rangnick has stated that Adams "will be an immediate option for the midfield", the player himself is not one to rest on his laurels: "There are so many good players in Leipzig and I want to learn a lot from them. The last few years have been a whirlwind but I've always tried to take things step by step and make the right decisions. Leipzig is the best decision for me now."

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