Sheffield United will have a handful of players jetting off to Qatar this summer to take part in the 2022 World Cup.
Rhys Norrington-Davies is likely to go with Wales while Iliman Ndiaye could also be part of the Senegal squad. Beyond that, there might be a surprise call for Daniel Jebbison, should he pledge his allegiance to Canada prior to the tournament beginning.
Of course, United fans will want all three to do well and feature. They’ll be representing the Blades and with millions around the world watching, it’s a huge chance to impress and draw eyes to the club as well.
But with any success could come problems for United as a club. Namely, when it comes to star man Ndiaye and how he performs for Senegal.
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January Worries
While the summer was spent worrying about whether or not Sander Berge would stay put at United, the January window will surely be more focussed on keeping Ndiaye at the club.
The forward has been sensational this season already. He’s the club’s top scorer, delivering performance after performance, and as a young man, will only go on to get better and better. And if he carries that into Qatar, there is a real danger the Premier League big-wigs come calling in January.
Senegal, too, have a group where Ndiaye might well get his chances. The Netherlands, Qatar, and Ecuador stand in Ndiaye and Senegal’s way. Certainly, it’s not the worst group and with Sadio Mane leading the charge, the African nation will fancy themselves.
Naturally, this will give Ndiaye game-time. It will give him the chance to seize his moment, catch the eye, and show everyone around the world what Sheffield United fans already know.
It is, then, imperative that United sort a new contract out for Ndiaye before he goes. Failure to do so could leave us open to lowball bids, and if Ndiaye is turned by the prospect of joining a PL outfit, then United’s campaign could be left in tatters come January.
