Sheffield United had shown interest in former Tottenham Hotspur youngster Leo Black, but he is set to join Chelsea.
Sheffield United’s ownership issues mean they are focusing on low-cost additions to their ranks in the closing stages of the window. Free transfers and loans are the remit for SUFC, but one player who looks unlikely to join is young midfielder Leo Black.
Reporter Pete O’Rourke states the Blades have been among the clubs interested in the 20-year-old after his departure from Tottenham Hotspur earlier this summer. However, he is set to stay in academy football in London and join rivals Chelsea.
Black also had interest in Portugal from Academico FC, but he will join Chelsea on a two-year contract. He had been with Spurs for his entire youth career prior to his summer release.
Leo Black could have been a shrewd addition for Sheffield United as Chelsea move awaits
As Sheffield United focus on free transfer additions and loans, a move for someone like Black would have made for shrewd business. Granted, he’s yet to make his break into senior football, but he is a well thought of and versatile young player with room to develop.
If he joined on a free transfer and hit the ground running, he could have become an asset for SUFC financially, as well as on the pitch. Black is primarily a central midfielder but can play as a no.6 or no.10 too, even being used on the wings in the Spurs academy before.
Leo Black’s Tottenham Hotspur academy stats
Signings of this ilk might not bring immediate improvements to the Blades’ starting XI, but it can help build a talented and hungry squad on a budget. Similar signings should be targeted, although the pick of the young free agents have been snapped up by this time in the summer.
As Black heads for Chelsea, it will be intriguing to see how his career pans out.
The Verdict: Sheffield United have to strengthen their squad, and fast
Sheffield United need to get as many new signings done before the window as possible. Loans will come to the fore in the coming weeks, but free transfer deals are better done early too.
Yes, free agents can be signed outside the transfer window, but they need as much time as possible to get up to speed. If they can be added to Chris Wilder’s ranks sooner rather than later, the quicker they can step up to perform at Championship level.
SUFC will hope for success similar to the deals for Patrick Bamford and Jairo Riedewald last year.
As two experienced free agents, they instantly improved the Blades squad and helped them rise away from danger.
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