Should Sheffield United win promotion to the Premier League, then a raft of new signings will be needed to improve and build on the current squad.
With so many players out of contract in the summer, the club faces a turning point really. Of those players whose deals are running down, there’s only a handful who realistically would make the jump to Premier League football.
The likes of Norwood, Foderingham, and McBurnie would be the prime candidates to be renewed. The rest, such as players like Enda Stevens and John Fleck, could well be moved on.
For United – and any other team winning promotion to the PL – a good striker or strike force is key. And after news emerged this week of Teemu Pukki’s desire to leave Norwich City, a door might well be open for the Blades.
Teemu Pukki to Sheffield United
Now 33, Teemu Pukki is a striker who Blades fans have long had a bit of an admiration for. The Finland international always seems to cause problems whenever he faces United. Pukki has three goals in his four Championship appearances against the Blades, plus another assist.
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And that record, along with his record in general in the PL, should be tempting United to at least have a look.
Pukki scored 11 goals in a struggling Norwich side that got relegated from the top-flight last term. This year, he’s hit double figures again in an under-performing Canaries outfit.
Despite his age, the Finnish forward is definitely someone who can offer a bit to the Blades. His experience, ability to run in behind and stretch defences, and ruthless finishing, make him an interesting proposition.
Short-term
Pukki claims he has a few more years in him just yet despite being 33. He is apparently keen to experience a new challenge, and Premier League football is something that will appeal.
Of course, the pressure is on United to actually win promotion. A big game against Wigan awaits tomorrow and a win would put United nine points clear of Middlesbrough, who travel to Burnley.
If that promotion is achieved, then making the right signings is going to be key to any survival bid. Pukki, then, is certainly a player who makes sense, at least on a short-term contract.
Naturally, United first need to get this transfer embargo lifted. But if Pukki fancies it, and he’ll go for a short-term contract at Bramall Lane, then as a free-transfer, he really could be a no-brainer.
