Why Sheffield United should revive their interest in Adrien Tameze
Back in January, The Star claimed that Sheffield United were interested in signing OGC Nice midfielder Adrien Tameze, who currently plies his trade with Atalanta in Serie A.
Tameze, 26, came through the ranks of AS Nancy-Lorraine’s youth system and moved to Valenciennes in 2015. He was impressive in the 59 appearances he made for the French second-tier club and was signed by Nice in the summer of 2017.
The midfielder immediately established himself in Nice’s starting XI and became a regular member of the squad. Last season, he featured in all but one game for the French outfit and helped them to a 7th place finish as they conceded just 35 goals throughout the campaign.
However, he moved on loan to Atalanta in January and took part in both of the club’s fixtures against Valencia in knockout stages of the Champions League.
Meanwhile, Sheffield have been a surprise package in the top-flight this season as they have been inside the top half of the Premier League for the majority of the campaign. Sheffield boss Chris Wilder has managed to form a perfect team and has done a fine job.
The Blades have lost just 7 of their league games so far and are pushing for a spot in the Europa League, ahead of the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Everton. However, they need to strengthen their squad for the next season if they are to compete at a higher level.
One area the manager should prioritize strengthening is the defensive midfield position. Though they signed Sander Berge in January, they need to make sure they have depth in the midfield area. Jack Rodwell’s contract with the club comes to an end in the summer and Muhamed Besic, who is on loan from Everton, will depart to Goodison Park once the season ends.
This would leave the manager with limited options in the midfield and hence, a move for a defensive midfielder should be made a top priority. In that regard, Nice’s Adrien Tameze would be a good addition to the squad as he has been in excellent form for the Ligue 1 side in the last two years and now for Atalanta.
The 26-year-old has made 85 appearances for Nice so far, scoring 2 goals and providing 6 assists in the process. He is capable of operating in an anchoring role and also in an advanced role, and could add depth to Wilder’s squad.
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Verdict
Wilder needs to strengthen his midfield so that the Blades don’t go without options if any player is injured or needs rest. Tameze is just 26 and can go on to represent Sheffield United in the long run if he is able to keep up the good form.
Therefore, the Blades should reignite their interest in the Cameroonian and lure him to Bramall Lane as early as this summer.
