Sheffield United Opinion: Why the Blades should sign Mohamed Diame?

Mohamed Diame is out of contract at Newcastle United at the end of the season and could leave the club despite being an integral member of Rafael Benitez’s team.

The Senegalese, 31, helped the Magpies win a Championship title in 2017 and has since been a regular fixture in the starting XI. Diame has started only once in the Premier League since early January due to the emergence of Sean Longstaff, but the with the youngster set to miss the rest of the season with injury, the 31-year-old could now have a run in for the remaining seven games.

But Diame is yet to be offered a new contract by Newcastle United, meaning he could be available on a free transfer in the summer. Keeping that in mind, Sheffield United must swoop in for the midfielder for absolutely nothing.

Sheffield United picked up a crucial three points against Leeds United at the weekend, in a result which could have serious ramifications in the promotion race. They now occupy the second place in the table and will be hoping to retain their place in the top two as we enter the business end of the campaign.

The Blades hold a point’s advantage over Leeds right now, but they face Bristol City, Preston North End and Birmingham City in their next three fixtures. Overconfidence could be detrimental for Chris Wilder’s men, hence they have to remain focused and take one game at time to achieve their target.

Wilder’s Sheffield United have the quality to achieve automatic promotion but should they get into the top-flight, reinforcements will be required to rub shoulders with the big boys. And an experienced, seasoned campaigner like Mohamed Diame will help them massively.

The Senegalese has been in England for almost a decade now, having joined Wigan Athletic from Rayo Vallecano back in 2009. He is a combative midfielder, known for his high work-rate, energy, tenacity and interception skills. The 31-year-old isn’t the most talented of footballers in the Premier League but he has proven himself by adapting to the physical demands of the top-flight football.

Diame will be 32 in June, but he certainly can provide a couple of top quality seasons in the Premier League. His valuable experience and skill-set will be an asset for any mid-table club in the top-flight.

Verdict

Oliver Norwood and John Fleck have been excellent in the middle of the park for Sheffield United this season. But beyond them, the Blades have only Paul Coutts and John Lundstram as options in central midfield.

Read more Sheffield United news, click here: Sheffield United latest news

That’s when the signing of Diame would make sense and on a potential free transfer in the summer, the addition of the former Senegalese international would represent a big coup for Wilder and company.