Sheffield United Competing With Rivals For Defender As Journalist Claims Move For Former Blade Is Imminent

This month, Sheffield United is looking at a number of center-backs after Harry Souttar’s loan was tragically terminated on Boxing Day owing to a season-ending Achilles injury. This is the first time this season that the Blades have lost three consecutive Championship games since losing the imposing defender. United has very little depth at the back. Rhys Norrington-Davies, who is naturally a left-back, has been their only backup option for central defense over the hectic holiday season, while Alfie Gilchrist has been their only option for right-back.

The Blades have focused on a former transfer target in an attempt to bolster their team this month with a natural center defender. The Sun claims that Andrew Omobamidele is a target for both Leeds United and Sheffield United. Currently out of favor at Nottingham Forest, the 22-year-old Ireland international is available and the deal will start off as a loan. The Blades are only interested in a short-term transfer for the towering defender, while Leeds are rumored to be open to a loan-to-buy agreement.

United has unmistakably found a player in Omobamidele who plays similarly to Souttar. The 22-year-old has the same aggressive style as Souttar, although being shorter. He aims for the initial contact on every ball that is thrown to him. Like Souttar, Omobamidele depends on his ability to understand the game and his anticipation because he isn’t the fastest either. Oli McBurnie, the former captain, has also been closely connected to the Blades. According to The Sun, Las Palmas has thwarted any bids for the Scottish forward, despite Chris Wilder’s apparent desire to bring the striker back to the team on a temporary loan.

Will Sheffield United Expand Their Squad?

Finally, according to Alan Nixon, Sheffield United is about to recruit Ben Brereton-Diaz from Southampton on loan in the next few days. After joining the Blades on loan from Villarreal in January of last year, Brereton-Diaz scored six goals and provided an assist in 14 Premier League games, giving the team a significant boost. Even more fascinating, though, are his underlying performance measures.

Despite playing for the league’s poorest side the previous season, Brereton-Diaz’s non-penalty xG of 0.43 per 90 placed him in the 70th percentile of Premier League attackers. He also ranked in the 83rd percentile for progressive passes, the 87th percentile for crosses into the box, the 74th percentile for passes into the box, and the 81st percentile for carries into the penalty area, demonstrating his immense ability to advance and create. He might be practically unstoppable in a top-tier championship team if he can accomplish it in the Premier League’s poorest squad. The Blades will have a more natural inverted left-winger than Gustavo Hamer if they sign someone like Brereton-Diaz. United will thus have the opportunity to play Hamer in a more pivotal role as a result.

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