Paddy Kenny has hinted that Sheffield United could sell key players Billy Sharp, Chris Basham and David McGoldrick before their contract expiration [Football Insider].
The Lowdown: Sheffield United eye 2021/22 redemption
As Sheffield United look to bounce back after relegation from the Premier League last time out, they will need to keep the core of their side in order to breed consistency and understanding next season.
Important squad members Sander Berge and Oliver McBurnie have been linked to Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers respectively in recent times.
However, ex-Bladesman Kenny believes that a different crop of the Sheffield United roster may depart, following the recent appointment of Slavisa Jokanovic last month [BBC].
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The Latest: Kenny tips Jokanovic to sell the experienced trio
Speaking in an interview with Football Insider, the 43-year-old discusses the prospect of new the new manager jettisoning Sharp, Basham and McGoldrick, who’s deals all come to an end in 2022.
Kenny stated:
“Is it worth cashing in? They’ll all be very good players in the Championship and hopefully play a massive role in getting them back to the Premier League.
“For me, they need to stay. But the manager might not think that, he might want his own players. We see that often so I wouldn’t be at all surprised.
“But I think it might be worth keeping them around for their experience when they’re going for promotion.” [Football Insider].
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The Verdict: Difficult situation at Bramall Lane, could it be worth the risk?
There is certainly a worry over the trio’s contract situations.
On one hand, keeping the old heads who have previous experience earning promotion from the Sky Bet Championship is a massive positive for the Bramall Lane side.
Despite this, the Yorkshiremen face a complicated predicament from a financial standpoint.
Potentially losing all three players for free in 2022 would come as a crushing blow to Sheffield United, especially if they do not bounce straight back up this season, as they would not then have extra funds from top flight TV deals to replace the players adequately.
It may just be worth taking the hit if the trinity can fire the Blades back to the riches of top-flight football in 2021/22, but don’t be surprised to see a few familiar faces on their way out this summer.
In other news, a Sheffield United key man has been linked with a Premier League exit.
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