Former Sheffield United manager, Chris Wilder, believes the Blades will have a job on their hands in keeping Iliman Ndiaye and Anel Ahmedhodzic in January.
The Blades duo have been integral under Paul Heckingbottom this season. Both have widely recognised ambitions of playing at the highest level, and with United in a now or never situation with promotion, clubs could come knocking in January.
What Wilder has said about Ndiaye and Ahmedhodzic
Wilder has been relatively quiet since leaving United, when it comes to the club anyway. He’s said little about his departure and the players he left behind.
However, speaking on the League of 72 podcast just before the weekend, Wilder opened up a bit on Ndiaye and believes – along with Ahmedhodzic – clubs will be looking in January.
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“Iliman Ndiaye has been incredible. His sort of breakthrough year last year. That will be another situation for Sheffield United to deal with. I don’t think Burnley will have that situation. But Watford, Sheffield United and Blackburn will have that situation in January with Iliman and with Anel as well,” Wilder said on League of 72.
“He’s been incredible. He came from Boreham Wood, was playing street football. Some great work by the recruitment guys at Sheffield United. We had him training with the first team. From my point of view, training with proper players and first team players, Iliman had that. It was hard to put him in cos we were getting beat every week and you have to question whether you scar that player.
“He’s taken massive strides forward and there’s no doubt that will be a situation Sheffield United will have to deal with in January.”
Ndiaye once again got himself involved at the weekend by setting up Billy Sharp’s winner v Huddersfield. After starring for Senegal in the World Cup and having just 18 months left on his contract, the Blades face a tough test of their resolve if a January bid does come.
Sheff U News View: Ndiaye should give United until the summer
Unless an astronomical offer comes in for Ndiaye, then United need to be doing all they can to keep hold of him.
As it stands, this Blades side won’t win promotion without Ndiaye in the team. It’s that simple. His goals, assists, and general threat are ensuring we win games which we otherwise might struggle to turn into wins.
For Ndiaye, you’d hope there is some element of loyalty from his side. With that, it wouldn’t be unfair for United to insist he stays and helps us win promotion. If we don’t then there’ll be a recognition all around that he goes in the summer anyway.
Hopefully, his agents don’t get too involved and Ndiaye and the club can make a decision. That decision, hopefully, sees United promoted to the Premier League again.
