Sheffield United could be about to re-open discussions which would see Barcelona starlet, Alex Collado, move to Bramall Lane in January.
Collado was reportedly close to joining United on deadline day. Differing reports have emerged as to why, although Prince Abdullah recently told everyone it was down to a lack of printer at Collado’s end.
However, reports in Spain are now suggesting a deal might be back in the offing. Mundo Deportivo suggest that Collado remains open to becoming a Blade. It’s claimed that negotiations could even start in the coming weeks, as United want to avoid a repeat of the summer window.
Adding further weight to United’s push for Collado is the fact he isn’t registered for Barcelona or Barca B this term. One negative to that, of course, would be his lack of match sharpness and fitness.
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It’s become quite clear that Slavisa Jokanovic wants to play a 4-2-3-1 formation. Among that, he needs forward players to be comfortable in wider areas.
Collado is a natural fit for that role. He can play both left and right side, while he’s also capable of being a number ten. That would give Jokanovic yet another viable option in the final third.
Things have started to pick up for United lately. Come January, if the club are around the top six, you’d expect the Serbian to get some more backing from the board.
And if Collado is indeed available, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him arrive.
Our View: Alex Collado is a talent but January move still has risks attached
Blades fans would have been excited at seeing Collado arrive. He’d have added a bit of the unknown, and obvious flair.
The problem, though, is January might be too late. His lack of games will be a worry for United. And with the Championship so relentless, he won’t exactly have loads of time to get up to speed.
Collado is certainly someone we can keep tabs on. But if there are other players of similar ilk available and more match-ready come January, then we might be better served moving for those.
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