Sheffield United are set for a busy January and are already being linked with a move for Olympiakos midfielder, Mady Camara.
According to reports from Greek publication, SDNA, the Blades are keen on landing the young midfielder. It is reported that Watford also has a long-term interest in the player.
Mady Camara is a reported Sheffield United target. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)
Blades boss, Chris Wilder, is keen on adding to his squad this January. After guiding United to eighth in the Premier League table, the United gaffer has made no secret of his desire to see the club add more depth.
That could well mean a move for Camara, despite the Greek giants reportedly wanting around £17m for the 22-year-old.
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But with Camara being a relative unknown over in England, why might Chris Wilder want to bring him to Bramall Lane?
Midfield competition
Camara predominantly operates in a defensive or central midfield role. While United have Ollie Norwood in there at the moment, they are light in terms of numbers, especially if Mo Besic was to leave in January.
That then is where Mady Camara might come into the fold. Strong in the tackle and with a tremendous engine, he’d bring a different dynamic to the Blades midfield.
Mady Camara could add bite to the Sheffield United midfield. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP) (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
He’s not shy of getting a goal, either. Last season saw him notch an impressive six times from the middle of the park. Having already got 12 international caps for Guinea, Camara is a player of vast experience given his relatively young age.
He previously spent time in France with Ajaccio. But it’s over in Greece where he has excelled. Olympiakos are a giant of the game.
Therefore, Camara shouldn’t have any issues adapting to the rigour and pressures of Premier League life.
A change from the norm
Wilder has already admitted the foreign market is one he might look at. Indeed, Jan van Winkel, one of the club’s transfer supremos, is thought to have good links to the foreign market.
Chris Wilder has made no secret of his desire to bring new players in during January. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Signing a player like Camara would certainly catch some Blades fans off guard. One, in terms of the fee being mentioned. And secondly, given that the majority of their signings in the last few seasons have come from British clubs only.
However, as the club establishes itself in the Premier League, signings like Camara might become more normal.
The Blades no longer need to shop on the bargain aisle. Yes, there is still a budget to manage and stay within. But gone are the days of scrimping around for value.
Having said that, Sheffield United will want to be shrewd. It’s hard to see them paying £17m for a midfielder who may not even start at the moment.
That, though, is the tough task facing Wilder and his transfer team this January.
