Sheffield United’s future planning means the club are always looking to snap up the top young talents from around the UK and beyond.
Most clubs of United’s stature are in the same boat and it’s often a case of who moves first. Indeed, the Blades pipped a host of clubs to the signing of Ryan One in the summer. The teenager has already made his first-team debut as well, with much expected of the forward in the future. United also snapped up Zach Giggs, son of Old Trafford legend, Ryan Giggs.
Reports over the weekend have linked United with yet another talented youngster. This time, in the form of Ireland sensation, Sam Curtis.
TeamTalk has claimed that the Blades are among a cluster of clubs trying to sign Curtis. Manchester United, Man City, and more are all keen, with a January move expected.
But just who is Sam Curtis? Well, we’ve taken a look so you don’t have to.
Sheffield United linked with Sam Curtis
Curtis is a 17-year-old defender – predominantly known for playing right-back – who currently plays his football in Ireland with St Patrick’s Athletic.
Remarkably, despite his tender age, Curtis played every game barring just two in the 22/23 season as he helped Patrick’s to a third placed finish. During that campaign, the youngster helped himself three goals and three assists. He also picked up a red card against Drogheda in September, but was brought back in immediately after suspension.
Talent scouting website FootballTalentScout.net writes favourably about Curtis as well, describing him as a player who has ‘good basics, has played senior football and posses a wide range of skills that could be moulded into an excellent player at centre or right back.‘
Further quotes on the same site come from St Pats manager Jon Daly, who believes clubs will have already been making enquiries about Curtis.
“He’s 17-years-old and could probably play 90 minutes every day. He’s fit and he’s available for selection which is a positive after international duty. I’d imagine there have been enquiries already. He’s just got to keep focused on playing his football for us. The most important thing for people his age is to play first-team football at a good level and play against men. It’s massive for him that he’s in the first team environment on a daily basis,” Daly said.
Certainly, then, it seems Daly is a player who very much fits the profile of what Sheffield United and Paul Heckingbottom will be looking for.
With the Blades looking likely to be relegated back to the Championship, signings like this could be crucial for the club to keep moving forward.
Of course, should either of the Manchester clubs make their move, it’s a hard sell for the Blades.
But we’ve proven before that Bramall Lane is a happy hunting ground for young players and Curtis might well see that as a big bonus in terms of signing for us above others.