Picking at the carcass.
When a decent team doesn’t get promoted, it’s only natural that some of their better players are tipped to make a move up a division if they look like they can do it in the tier above, and Sheffield United appear to be one of the teams prepared to do that.
According to a report in The Telegraph, the Blades are one of a number of teams interested in bringing in Brentford forward Ollie Watkins after the West London side failed to get promoted last night. His reported £18m release clause is obviously making him a rather enticing prospect, especially in comparison to other forwards out there, like Leicester City chasing Francisco Trincão for £45m for instance.
With 26 goals in the Championship this past season, you can make the argument that he’s outgrown the division after three years in it and with a fee that low, with the money that floats around the Premier League, it’s not exactly a massive gamble to take.
How much will Sheffield United spend this summer in total?
£50m or more
Less than £50m
In my mind, this isn’t too different to when we brought in Oli McBurnie from Swansea City. The fee is roughly similar, and their goal returns in the previous season are about the same as well. I just hope that he manages to bring in more of a goal return in the top flight if we were to bring him in.
I’ve spoken before about the lack of goals the Blades managed to score this past season, just over a goal a game, and that desperately needs to be increased if we are to avoid floundering next season. Will Watkins guarantee us 10-15 goals? Possibly.
But even if we have to get those goals by just accumulating forwards that will contribute a couple here and there like we did this campaign, is £18m really that much of a gamble against what he could potentially bring? I don’t think so
What about you? Would you be interested in us bringing in Watkins?