Tyler Adams suffers MCL tear: World Cup and January transfer implications

Tom Weber

• Updated: 19 Dec 2025 12:08 CST
• 3 min read

Nieuws

Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams has torn his medial collateral ligament (MCL), casting doubt on a potential January transfer to Manchester United.

The 26-year-old had to be substituted just a few minutes into what many viewed as a potential transfer audition when Bournemouth played Man Utd at Old Trafford on Monday.

Adams had been discussed as a potential January target internally at Man Utd, with the American representing a more cost-effective alternative to some of the club's top targets.

The idea was to potentially bring Adams in in January, which would, in turn, have also influenced the future of Kobbie Mainoo, who is keen to leave the Red Devils on loan. Man Utd are reluctant to grant him his wish without a suitable replacement.

Ahead of the match on Monday, Adams revealed that the first time he featured at Old Trafford back during the COVID-19 pandemic made him realise his dream of playing in the Premier League. His latest outing at the Theatre of Dreams quickly turned into a nightmare, however.

Adams out for several months

According to journalist Jordan Clark, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has confirmed that Adams suffered a torn MCL in the game against Man Utd, which means that he will be out of action for several months.

The Basque head coach, although he couldn't give an exact return timeline, was optimistic that Adams would only miss around two to three months, so his participation at the 2026 World Cup on home soil should not be in doubt.

However, what is in doubt and, in fact, highly unlikely is a January transfer. It was unclear if Bournemouth would have been willing to listen to offers for Adams mid-season, but that has become a moot point now.

Man Utd will have to look for a different January reinforcement, potentially making a move for Atletico Madrid star Conor Gallagher more likely. Like Adams, the England international is not a top priority, but he is viewed as an attainable winter target.

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