Speculation has grown over Reda Khadra’s Sheffield United future after Paul Heckingbottom left the explosive forward out of the matchday squad against Blackpool on Thursday evening.
Heckingbottom insisted that the decision to exclude him from the matchday squad was purely because it was “the best squad”, with youngsters Andre Brooks and Daniel Jebbison featuring on the bench.
Sheffield United spent most of the summer chasing the German youth international to bolster their attacking options, and a different dimension to the team. So far, the loan signing of Khadra has not had the desired effect.
The 21-year-old has featured 15 times in United’s league campaign. The highlight of his Blades career thus far has been the stoppage winner against Swansea City, which is his only goal contribution this season.
Khadra has started just four games in the Championship, and with him being omitted from the matchday squad against Blackpool, is Reda Khadra now surplus to requirements?
Paul Heckingbottom admitted there had been “chats” between the pair. “They’ll remain our chats,” he added. “That’s the best squad we have, in my eyes, for this game. [SUTV]
United’s gaffer confirmed that Khadra had “played the games he needed to” to avoid being recalled by the Premier League side, adding: “It’s our call”. [SUTV]
My Verdict
Reda Khadra’s loan spell has fallen short of the mark in terms of the quality that we expected to see from him, but he is still a good player at this level – and all good players go through rough patches in their career.
I would keep Khadra for the duration of the loan because it provides us with an extra body in attack, and it could create an opportunity for Jebbison to get a much needed loan move.
With Brewster to come back soon, United will have: Sharp, Ndiaye, Brewster and McBurnie available as strikers for the remainder of the season. The likes of Khadra, McAtee and Berge can play in attacking midfield.