In a sign that Sheffield United might be getting a few players back from injury, the club have allowed both Femi Seriki and Jean Belehouan out on loan deals until the end of the season.
Confirmed by the club’s official website last night, both Seriki and Belehouan have been allowed to move out to National League North side’s Boston United and Farsley Celtic on loan deals. Indeed, Seriki has already made his debut, featuring and impressing as Boston won 1-0 against York last night.
Seriki’s loan is of particular interest to United fans given his advances into first-team action this season. A miserable loan spell with Beerschot halted his progress after making his debut in the Premier League. However, Paul Heckingbottom threw him in against Nottingham Forest and it was clear exposure to first-team football was needed.
Belehouan, meanwhile, is another defender at the club who will be looking to gain valuable experience.
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Both loan deals could hint at an easing of the current injury nightmare at Bramall Lane.
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If the Blades can manage to get a few more out on similar deals between now and May then it will only benefit the club in the long-term. Clearly, Seriki is part of the future of the club. But he does need to play, and 23s games are a world away from proper full-time football.
Both Belehouan and Seriki should benefit from these spells. They’ll get regular time and come up against opponents who won’t be shy in welcoming them to ‘proper’ football.
Hopefully, the pair can impress and come back in the summer recharged. It could be a big period for the club in those summer months with doors for youth players very much likely to be open when it comes to the first-team picture.
