Blades manager Paul Heckingbottom addressed the media on Thursday afternoon as Sheffield United look ahead to their away game against Kolo Toure’s Wigan Athletic, on Monday night.
But with the January transfer window around the corner, previewing the challenge of the Latics wasn’t the only topic of discussion at Thursday’s press conference.
Paul Heckingbottom was questioned over any possible transfer targets and what his wishes are for next month’s transfer window. Heckingbottom responded:
“Keep the players. You’ll keep asking me and I’ll keep saying the same: give me the players back fit, and this squad, and we’ll have a good go.” [SUTV]
And…
“We look all the time [at transfer targets], not just around windows. But for me the priority is keeping the squad together.”
United are 2nd in the table, 3pts behind the league leaders Burnley, and they have created a gap of 5pts to 3rd place Blackburn Rovers.
The Blades have had to battle on through an injury crisis in this first half of the season. At one point, they had a dozen players injured which makes their current league position remarkable.
My Verdict
It appears as though United have got over the worst on the injury front, so, I don’t think the Blades need to make any signings in January.
Providing they don’t have another injury crisis, Heckingbottom has plenty of depth, and versatility, in defence, midfield and in attack.
Unless United have identified a young raw talent that they can secure at a discount, I don’t see the value in adding to the players they already have. Of course, if they were to sell Berge or Ndiaye then they would need to find as close to a replacement/s as possible. But I am confident in them both staying put in this coming window.