Sheffield United man tipped for Bramall Lane exit - he was "inconsistent at best" last season | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit has given his verdict on whether winger Andre Brooks has a future at Bramall Lane.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

A new era is underway at Sheffield United following the appointment of Ruben Selles as the club's new head coach.

Sheffield United finished third in the Championship last season before losing 2-1 to Sunderland in the play-off final at Wembley, and the club made the controversial decision to part company with manager Chris Wilder, replacing him with ex-Reading and Hull City boss Selles.

Disagreements over the new data-driven recruitment model that includes the use of AI were believed to be a factor behind Wilder's departure, but owners Steve Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy are committed to implementing the policy, and they are reportedly set to make another signing using the innovative method in the form of Septemvri Sofia defender Mihail Polendakov.

It remains to be seen what impact the transfer strategy will have on members of the existing squad, but one player who is facing an uncertain future at Bramall Lane is winger Andre Brooks.

Brooks chipped in with a number of important goals for the Blades last season, including netting in the 3-0 play-off semi-final first leg victory at Bristol City, but he struggled to nail down a regular place in the starting line-up, and the recent arrival of Ehije Ukaki, who was identified by the club's owners, could push him further down the pecking order.

Potential Andre Brooks, Sheffield United summer exit mooted

When asked if he believes Brooks has a future at the club, FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy, aka Blades Ramble, admitted that he would not be surprised to see the 21-year-old leave on loan this summer if he is deemed surplus to requirements by Selles, but he warned the club against selling him permanently.

"In terms of Andre Brooks, nothing is off the table," Jimmy told FLW.

"He was inconsistent at best last season. We did see moments of excellence from him, but I thought he was also quite poor in some moments as well.

"He never quite got a consistent run in the side, but we have seen from him previously that, when he does get a run in the side, he can make a real difference.

"He played a different position in the season just gone. He was on the right wing, but previously he's been a central midfielder in an eight role on the left-hand side.

"It depends how Ruben Selles sees him, to be honest.

"I could easily see him still being integrated into the squad if Selles sees something in him, but it's so unpredictable at United at the minute that he could just as easily be sent out on loan for some regular first-team football.

"There's certainly a player in there, so I wouldn't want us to be selling him, but if he's not going to play, he would benefit from a loan."

Ruben Selles facing Andre Brooks dilemma amid big Sheffield United recruitment change

Brooks was one of a number of academy products given an opportunity in the Sheffield United first-team last season, and while he did not quite hit the same heights as the likes of Ollie Arblaster or Sydie Peck, he did still show glimpses of his ability.

With the Blades board seemingly keen to move away from more experienced players, Brooks may have a big role to play at Bramall Lane next season, and given Selles' strong track record of developing young talent, he could thrive under the Spaniard.

However, United have already brought in one winger this summer using the new data-led recruitment model in Ukaki, and with January signings Jefferson Cacares and Christian Nwachukwu likely to be much more involved next season, Selles may feel under pressure to select those who have been chosen by the ownership.