The “bargain” Sheffield United deal to sign Luke Freeman from QPR will cost £5m, reports Talksport.
Blades manager Chris Wilder has confirmed that the transfer is close to completion and is also happy with the financial outlay.
“He’s bargain, yes, I think he is,” Wilder told the Sheffield Star. “It’s a decent number for us but in terms of the division we’re in, we’re happy with what we’ve paid. And QPR are happy to accept our bid.
“He’s enthusiastic, dynamic and talented. His stats are right up there. We look at the stats, the key stats we look at for players, and then also reports and my own eyes.
“He can create and he can score. I’m sure he can play a part in this group.”
(Photo by Harriet Lander/Getty Images)
The £5m being paid for Freeman includes an initial fee and add-ons. It’s therefore easy to see why, in the current market, Wilder has described it as a “bargain”.
Especially as Freeman was named the R’s player of the year last season. The attacker scored nine goals and provided eight assists in all competitions.
There has been interest in the 27-year-old from Blackburn Rovers, Leeds United and Middlesbrough over the past 12 months. Freeman, meanwhile, was particularly keen to be given the opportunity in the Premier League.
Although the fee seems relatively small, Rangers are at least making a significant profit on the £350,000 they paid Bristol City for the forward in January 2017.
Why Sheffield United want Freeman
Signing a new attacking midfielder was one of Wilder’s priorities this summer following promotion to the top flight.
The Blades currently only have Mark Duffy as an option in the role after Kieran Dowell’s loan ended and he returned to Everton.
Freeman can operate as a number ten, but also has the capability to drop a little deeper and help out in central midfield.
