Why Sheffield United signing Lewis O’Brien would be a wise move
According to a report from Yorkshire Live, Sheffield United are interested in signing 21-year-old midfielder Lewis O’Brien from EFL Championship outfit Huddersfield Town in the summer transfer window.
O’Brien is a product of the Terriers’ academy. The midfielder spent the 2018/19 campaign out on loan at Bradford City, where he impressed. In 46 appearances, the 21-year-old scored four goals and assisted three.
Having returned to the club last summer, O’Brien has enjoyed a breakthrough in the Huddersfield first-team. So far in 2019/20 campaign, he featured 30 times, bagging 2 goals and 3 assists prior to the season suspension.
Sheffield United the surprise package
Sheffield United, meanwhile, have been the surprise package in the Premier League this season. Chris Wilder’s men were punching well above their weights this term, and are 7th in the league table. Should they carry on from where they left off, the Blades stand a chance to qualify for European football for next season.
An impressive feat for a newly-promoted side. Nonetheless, for them to sustain this level of performances and better themselves next season, strengthening the squad in the summer would be necessary. More so if they end up qualifying for European football.
Goals from the middle of the park have been a major feature of Sheffield United’s play this season, with the likes of John Fleck, Oliver Norwood and John Lundstram impressing. However, last summer’s signing, Luke Freeman, who is the only out and out attacking midfielder in the squad, has struggled to make an impact.
Hence, adding another attacking midfielder, who could act as an additional source of goals, would be a sensible move for the Blades.
And signing O’Brien would help Wilder & co. in that regard. The 21-year-old has shown during his time with Bradford and Huddersfield that he can contribute with key goals from midfield.
O’Brien’s potential arrival would add more depth in the midfield department for Sheffield United. Furthermore, a versatile operator, he has also been used in wide roles as well, which would only add to the options at the manager’s disposal.
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Verdict
Sheffield United have had a brilliant 2019/20 campaign so far. However, for them to sustain this level next season, bolstering each and every department within the squad would be necessary. Especially if they qualify for Europe, which they will if they finish seventh – thanks to Manchester City’s two-year ban.
Hence, adding O’Brien would be a wise move by the Blades. The 21-year-old has shown great potential in his first two seasons in senior football. His arrival would add depth to the midfield department, while his versatility would provide the manager with added options.
