Why Sheffield United should go back in the market for Mady Camara
Back in June, reports in Greece (h/t The Shields Gazette) had mentioned Sheffield United among the potential suitors in England for Olympiacos midfielder Mady Camara. Newcastle United and Arsenal were also understood to be chasing the Guinean star, but a move to English football never really materialised for the 23-year-old.
Profile
Mady Camara completed his development at AS Kaloum and Santoba FC in Guinea before signing a professional contract with French second-tier club Ajaccio following a successful trial. He made 51 appearances for Ajaccio in all competitions over the course of two seasons before Greek giants Olympiacos came calling for his services in 2018.
The 23-year-old has since made 93 appearances for Olympiacos in all competitions, scoring 13 goals and supplying 8 assists in the process. Camara was instrumental as the Greek club won the domestic title last season and also reached the last-16 of the Europa League, knocking out Arsenal before being knocked out by Wolves.
Camara would add more depth to the Blades’ midfield
Sheffield United are currently well-stocked in the central midfield department, with John Fleck, Oliver Norwood, John Lundstram, Sander Berge, Ben Osborn, and Jack Rodwell all competing for places. The Blades, though, should consider reshuffling their options in the midfield after a lacklustre start to the campaign that has seen them lose 5 out of their 6 opening league fixtures so far.
Lundstram is yet to make a decision on his future, with his current deal at Bramall Lane set to expire in 2021. United have offered him a new contract but with the player stalling on putting pen to paper on fresh terms, the Blades can start preparing for life without him.
Rodwell made only a couple of appearances for the club last season following his move to the Yorkshire outfit back in January. The former Man City star signed a one-year extension with Sheffield United earlier in the summer but he hasn’t been anywhere close to breaking into Chris Wilder’s plans.
Suffice to say, the Blades can certainly do with a new central midfielder to freshen up things and Mady Camara presents a young and exciting option with potential. The Guinean enforcer is capable of playing in defensive and box-to-box roles in the midfield, thus offering Wilder with some valuable cover.
Besides his versatility and work rate, Camara is also more than capable of contributing with goals and assists from a withdrawn role. That would hand a significant boost to the Blades’ dynamics.
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Verdict
Mady Camara has backed up his strong domestic performances in Greece with some eye-catching displays in the Europa League and Champions League, which clearly suggests that he’s ready to make the step up to a more competitive league.
The 23-year-old still has his best years ahead of him and working under a pragmatic manager like Wilder will surely help him take his game to the next level. That said, Sheffield United making a renewed attempt to sign the Guinean ace could pay off handsomely for their long-term plans.
