Sheffield United set to sign another Oné from Hamilton | OneFootball

The Blades are reportedly closing in on another young talent this summer window, following the signing of Ehije Ukaki. The Blades are looking to strengthen the youth ranks further this time with a player from Scotland.

Cole Hay, 16, of Hamilton has reportedly been training with the Blades throughout the season. During this time, he has impressed United.

With the club happy with what they’ve seen, the Daily Record revealed that a compensation fee of £75,000 will see him move to the Blades.

If the move is officially completed, Hay will follow in Oné’s footsteps. As he makes the move from the Accies to Bramall Lane.

What do we know about Cole Hay so far?

Cole Hay is a left-winger as mentioned he has been in the academy of Scottish League One Hamilton Academical. Despite being 16, Hay represented Hamilton’s U18s last season in the CAS U18 Elite league.

Internationally

His most notable time has been his international experience. As he already represented Scotland’s U16s last year. Scotland hosted the Victory Shield in 2024. The Shield, an U16s tournament between Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland.

Hay started for Scotland against Northern Ireland alongside Wednesday striker Bailey Cadamarteri. The number 19, Hay played down the left in the game on the 10th October 2024.

He worked effectively in Scotland’s high press in the moments and creating a good early one-two with Cadamarteri.

He also managed a second-half substitute appearance in the last game of the tournament against Wales. With his side finishing third in the overall tournament behind Republic of Ireland and Wales.

Hay entered the field with 6 minutes to go. With Scotland 1-0 down. Immediately charging the ball down to press the Wales full-back.

He also helped defensively winning headers and linking up with his left-back and central midfielder. With the aim of progressing forward.

Going forward, Hay created another outlet for Scotland with long balls aimed at him. Although, most were too far for him with the Wales keeper often quick off the line. In the closing minutes of the eighty minute match, Scotland had much of the ball. But despite getting on the ball more, Hay and Scotland couldn’t get through. As Wales sat in a deep defensive block.

In the last seconds, Hay brought down the ball brilliantly for his teammate Lucas Weir inside the box. Only for Weir to appear to be fouled but also offside. Leading to Weir getting a yellow and Scotland losing the game.

If you want to see some of Cole Hay in action the matches are available on Scotland’s YouTube channel.

Why Hamilton?

In a summer that promises potential signings from Bulgaria and Norway. Plus, anywhere else the club’s AI scouts are willing to venture to. It’s interesting to hear of Hay’s impending arrival.

The reason it’s important to look at his time in the Victory Shield as his Hamilton Academical teammate. The goalkeeper Kerr Reynolds is set for a move to Hull City, he also featured in the tournament. More than Hay did.

This suggests that Championship clubs have looked at Hamilton’s academy and found players worth a go for their own.

Obviously, from the Blades’ development point of view. The breakthrough of Ryan Oné starting to make appearances in the first team. Another Scottish player coming from Hamilton. The Blades have got proven evidence that signing a player from the Accies can be beneficial.

More so, even with how good a player Oné could become for the Blades, his transfer value to the club could be massive. Especially given the recent links to Liverpool and other top sides in Europe. Ultimately, at a compensation fee of £750,000, the Blades could be on to a low risk high reward player for the future. Hopefully, he goes on to play for the Blades, but if not he could be a great asset for future sales. A strategy the current Blades hierarchy seem keen on.