The Sheffield United rebuild so many are talking about this summer is going to be shaped by budget, the league United are in, and just who Paul Heckingbottom wants to take into the future with him.
A number of Blades players are out of contract this summer. It’s left Heckingbottom facing a tricky situation in terms of who he keeps and who is left to move on. The club retains options on a number of first-team players, including Billy Sharp, so if the board wants, then those clauses can be activated. But regardless of those new deals being triggered, it’s likely we will see some players moved on.
And one of those players, you feel anyway, is going to be Max Lowe. Signed from Derby along with Jayden Bogle, Lowe hasn’t had the same impact as his opposite number. In fairness to him, he struggled in empty stadiums trying to usurp Enda Stevens, and then has had rotten injury luck.
Lowe Flying At Nottingham Forest
In contrast to his spell in Sheffield, Lowe has enjoyed a superb campaign with Forest. Despite being injured lately, the Blades loanee has firmly endeared himself to the Reds faithful. And that is reciprocated, with Lowe commenting this week on his love for the Forest fans.
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“I’m not going to lie, even when we play away, sometimes it feels like a home game because the fans come in numbers. In the huddle before kick-off, you can’t even hear Wozza speaking, which says a lot. I’ve been at four teams now and they are the best home fans I have played in front of, easily. It’s definitely a standout,” Lowe told Notts Live.
It’s widely known that Lowe also wanted to stay put in January. With United struggling with injuries, some questioned why Lowe wasn’t recalled. But his mind is at the City Ground, and he has admitted he’d relish staying there if he could.
It’s also been reported that the Blades fully expect a permanent bid from Forest this summer to keep Lowe.
Time To Cut Ties
Sometimes, a signing just doesn’t work out as planned and that’s been the case really with Max Lowe and Sheffield United.
There is no doubt he is more than capable at this level. He’s shown it with Forest, and with Djed Spence down the other side, Lowe has proved a valuable player for Steve Cooper’s side.
But from the United perspective, it makes sense to move on. First off, he can bring a fee in. He’s under contract and young, meaning Forest will have to splash a bit of cash to land him. Secondly, United are well-stocked at left wing-back as it stands. Stevens, Norrington-Davies, and Osborn are all capable.
Finally, as mentioned, Lowe seems to have his heart set on Forest anyway. And if a player wants a move, sometimes it’s just best to sort that move out for everyone’s benefit. His latest comments on supporters are another nod to his affection for Forest. It seems, really, he’s doing all he can to push through the move.
Ultimately, it’s not worked at Bramall Lane. And if United can get a couple of million for Lowe and move on, then that will suit the club, player, and Forest.
