In arguably the most bizarre transfer rumour of the summer so far, Franck Ribery has been linked with Sheffield United.
The story originates from German publication Kicker. They claim the Blades are interested in Ribery as he brings 12 years at Bayern to an end.
It would certainly be a bold move from the newly promoted side. Especially as Ribery told French radio station RMC he would be open to a return to Marseille.
Meanwhile, Western Sydney Wanderers Markus Babbel – a former Bayern player himself – also admitted to Sky Sports Germany he was interested in the 36-year-old.
So for the Blades to land Ribery would be quite the coup; and an expensive one at that. This site outlined yesterday that while the Frenchman is a free agent, as of 2018 he was earning around £13.25m a year.
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That is something the club could not afford. Yet despite this, their players are being asked about a potential deal for Ribery.
Could Sheffield United sign Franck Ribery?
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Blades defender Enda Stevens is unfazed by the links with Ribery. The Republic of Ireland left-back is currently away on international duty and was interviewed by Sky Sports News about the story:
“I didn’t even see that to be honest but it (transfer rumours) is going to happen because we are in the biggest league in the world and these players are going to be linked,” Stevens said.
“We need to strengthen our squad, there is no two ways about it. Players are going to come in and we are going to have to build up a new squad and hopefully a good enough one to keep us in the Premier League.”
In truth, it would be hugely surprising if Ribery ended up at Bramall Lane. This is a rumour that is likely to remain just that.
