Attraction mounting up over promising defender
Soccer Football - Carabao Cup - First Round - Sheffield United v Carlisle United - Bramall Lane, Sheffield, Britain - August 10, 2021 Carlisle United's Manasse Mampala and Sheffield United's Kacper Lopata in action Action Images/Ed Sykes EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
Sheffield United’s Polish youth International, Kacper Łopata endured a successful loan spell at Southend United last season, and he’s attracting attention this summer.
According to an article by the athletic, the 20 year-old centre-back is wanted by a number of clubs.
Southend United would reportedly welcome back the rock-solid defender to Roots Hall for another loan spell. However they face stiff opposition as clubs higher up the divisions are said to be interested in him.
One club in particular, yet to be named, are interested in signing Łopata on a permanent basis. Though unless United receive a substantial offer, it is unlikely that United will be looking to sell this summer.
United would like to offer the Polish U21 player a new contract before he is to be loaned out again, as his current contract expires next summer.
Łopata in his appearances for the Blades last season, and for Southend, demonstrated leadership qualities and a commanding presence in the air. To add to that he has shown that he is good enough to play out from the back.
For a 20 year-old to display confident and consistent performances on a regular basis at National League level, that can only hold him in good stead for the future.
Last season was a great experience for Łopata as it was his first time where he had a serious run of games at senior level. But he showed he is a cut above National League level.
Ideally Łopata will be loaned out to a League 1 or League 2 club this summer, and then United can evaluate his performances and progression from there.