Sheffield United’s key player’s contract set to expire – Should Wilder offer an extension?

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Meghna Sengupta

Why Sheffield United must tie down Oliver Norwood to fresh terms

Sheffield United have enjoyed a stellar campaign in the Premier League so far. Despite being a newly-promoted outfit, Chris Wilder and his men have grabbed top-flight football by the scruff of the neck.

Currently placed 6th in the standings, the Blades have surpassed expectations and it will be interesting to see where they finish at the end of the season. While they have a sound and well-balanced team filled with gritty players, there is one whose contract is set to be renewed soon, as per The Star.

Oliver Norwood played a key role in helping Sheffield United win promotion and has been instrumental to their successes in the Premier League as well. Often captaining the side in Billy Sharp’s absence, the midfielder has established himself as one of the key members of the squad.

And it is indeed a good move by the club to consider tying him down to fresh terms. The report goes on to claim that the player has expressed his desire to stay at the club for the rest of his career.

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Oliver Norwood

Having joined from Brighton and Hove Albion on an initial loan move, Norwood signed a two-and-a-half-year permanent deal with the Blades in January 2019. He has not looked back since, chipping in with 2 goals 27 games across competitions this term.

His contribution to the game goes beyond goals and assists; he is essentially the glue that holds the team together. The fact that he has started in all of Sheffield United’s league games thus far speaks volumes of his importance in the middle of the park.

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As far as Wilder’s preferred midfield trio is concerned, John Fleck is usually tasked with initiating attacks and foraying into the opposition’s defence to make things happen. In fact, he has scored 5 goals in the ongoing season so far.

Lundstram is also more attack-oriented, as evidenced by the 4 goals to his name. And Norwood is the one who performs a balancing acts of sorts in the midfield – while also acting as a smart playmaker.

Verdict

Norwood will enter the final year of his current contract this summer and this is the right time for the club to engage in talks regarding a new deal. That said, Sheffield must retain his services at all costs.