Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder may have given Leon Clarke a second chance at Sheffield United.
As the Sheffield Star reports, Clarke was on the transfer list at Bramall Lane this summer following the Blades’ promotion to the Premier League.
Yet the window has now shut and the striker remains in south Yorkshire. It’s reported Clarke’s wages proved too high for any club to come and sign him.
But despite being deemed surplus to requirements by Wilder, the 34-year-old has been added to United’s final squad list. 25 senior players can be registered to compete in the top flight and with one place remaining, Clarke has taken the spot.
Why Leon Clarke may get a second chance at Sheffield United
Wilder has also spoken about his attacking options this season and has revealed there will be opportunities for those at the club.
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Three new forwards were signed by the Blades this summer in Callum Robinson, Lys Mousset and Oli McBurnie. All of them broke the club’s transfer record upon their arrival.
Robinson scored his first goal for United in the 2-2 draw at Chelsea, while McBurnie opened his account against Leicester City. Mousset also thought he had got off the mark against the Blues, although his late equaliser was officially credited as a Kurt Zouma own goal.
Billy Sharp found the back of the net on the opening day against Bournemouth as well. Therefore David McGoldrick is the only one of Wilder’s attackers who has not yet scored.
Unless Clarke is included of course, which after this latest squad adjustment he is. And Wilder may have just given him hope of an opportunity in the future.
“It’s going to be horses for courses with the front two,” the 51-year-old told the Sheffield Star.
“It’s important you have different options, including pace and power or players for different formations. You always need that flexibility. Even more so now, given the level we’re operating at.
“Everybody has got a role to play. It’s a long season too. The people doing well now, the ones who are starting, might not be the ones who are starting later on. You have got to be ready to step in at a moment’s notice.”