Sheffield United will be looking ahead to January and will be hoping to add some players to the ranks.
Chris Wilder has already spoken of his desire to add some new faces. Meanwhile, chief executive officer, Stephen Bettis, has already confirmed a budget has been agreed for the winter window.
It’s all shaping up to be an exciting time for Sheffield United fans. There will, no doubt, be players moving out of the club too.
The likes of Leon Clarke, Kieron Freeman, and Kean Bryan, are all expected to find new clubs. Newer players such as Ravel Morrison and Callum Robinson, are two names who fans have also potentially touted for short-term moves.
Furthermore, with Mark Duffy now confirmed as not returning, there could well be a space in the squad for a creative midfield player. Especially if, as mentioned, Ravel Morrison also moves on.
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There are a number of players out there who could do the job, too. While David McGoldrick often plays as a ‘number 10’, it’s important to have other options.
With that in mind, then, we looked at THREE creative midfielders who the Blades could target in January…
Bersant Celina
The Kosovo international impressed recently against England and is once again playing well for Swansea. He scored five goals last season and provided six assists along the way too.
Naturally, he plays as a number ten but Celina can also drift wide if needed. He’s playing well at Swansea and at 23-years-old, fits the mould of players who could improve further under Wilder.
The Championship market is one the Blades will look at, and Celina is a top player on his day.
Tom Barkhuizen
Another Championship player who might fit the Blades’ price range, Barkhuizen has once again been in fine form. His attacking runs from both the wide and number ten areas have been crucial to Preston’s rise up the league.
Indeed, he has contributed with goals too. He’s already scored five times this season under Alex Neil. Three assists have also come from the build-up play of Barkuizen.
The Blades raided Preston in the summer. It would be no surprise to see them do so again.
Ryan Christie
If the Blades really wanted to make a splash and add goals from midfield, then Ryan Christie might be the man.
He’s scored a hugely impressive 17 in all competitions this term. That includes ten in the Scottish Premier League as Neil Lennon’s men once again go for the title.
Like the above two players, he can play as a ten or wide. Interestingly though with Christie, his energy and running mean he might be just as comfortable in the midfield three. John Fleck and John Lundstram have both been exceptional, but the club is always looking to improve.
He’ll cost some big money but the chance of a Premier League move could well tempt Christie to Bramall Lane.