‘The key to Sheffield United’s contract situation’ verdict with 16 Blades facing uncertain futures
and live on Freeview channel 276
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
The in-form striker is one of SIXTEEN players who are either out of contract or see their loans expire in the summer of 2023 – and by that point, a number of key stars will also be in the final year of their Bramall Lane deals.
The issue was one discussed on the latest episode of The Star Blades podcast, when United writers James Shield and Danny Hall joined host Chris Holt to discuss Saturday’s victory at Cardiff City, James McAtee’s Bramall Lane fortunes and McBurnie’s future.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdDanny said of the 16 players: “It’s not a position you’d want to be in as a football club. One of the many successes of Chris Wilder’s time at Bramall Lane, it was a big thing when he came in, was wrestling back control of player contracts to the club.
“He didn’t want too many players approaching the ends of their contracts at the same time and that’s something he and the club did well during his time. To have so many players approaching the final six months is not a position you want to be in. That’s a huge overhaul coming in the summer.”
James suggested United’s fate at the end of the season – they went into the World Cup break second in the Championship table and well-placed to win promotion back to the promised land of the Premier League – would have a big bearing on the fate of many players.
“This is, I think, the key to Sheffield United’s contract situation,” he said. “It shouldn’t have been allowed to develop like this. Even though some will have options, it’s not right or healthy and it doesn’t help Paul Heckingbottom and his staff to have so many coming out of contract at the same time.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“I don’t blame Paul Heckingbottom for that because he’s been vocal about wanting the situation to be addressed. It’s a situation he’s inherited as well and the key is clearly going to be money. It doesn’t take a genius to work that out.”
Watch the latest edition of The Star Blades at the top of your screen, or click HERE to listen on Spotify or HERE for Apple Podcasts.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.