Who is Sheffield United target Bobby Thomas? | OneFootball

You can use AI, you can use data, you can browse the loan market. But if in doubt ring up Coventry City.

That seems to be the case for Sheffield United. Following the additions of Gustavo Hamer and then free agent via Coventry, Callum O’Hare in the last two seasons. Sheffield United have reportedly made an £8 million bid for Bobby Thomas according to Pete O’Rourke. With Sky Sports reporting that the Blades were preparing the bid earlier today.

It’s clear, the Blades need centre-backs and Championship experience is also a necessity. Thomas offers that so here’s what you need to know about the potential new Blade.

Academy Days

Thomas, 24, began his academy career with Everton. Before moving on to Crewe Alexandra. Whilst at Crewe, he suffered from a case of Osgood-Schlatter’s syndrome, a condition that impacts active youngsters during growth spurts. Leading to symptoms of swelling and pain below the kneecap. The condition limited his playing time whilst with Crewe.

In 2017, aged 16, he joined Burnley initially on a two year scholarship. In November 2018, Burnley loaned him out to Kendal Town in the Northern Premier League.

Senior Claret and loans

In March 2019, he signed his first professional deal with Burnley signing a two year deal. In the 2018-2019 season he was named Burnley’s Youth Player of the Year for the academy. By 2020-2021, he made his only appearance for the Clarets playing in the 2-0 win over Millwall in the EFL Cup.

By January 2021, Thomas joined Barrow on loan in League Two. He made 21 appearances and scored once as Barrow stayed up in their first season back in the EFL.

Thomas made the step up to League One two seasons later joining Bristol Rovers on loan. He scored his debut against Morecambe earning Rovers a late draw. He played 26 games in total scoring three times and getting one assist.

By January 2023, the same season he switched to League One Barnsley. He played 25 times scoring 3 goals and getting 3 assists to add to his already great start to the season with Bristol Rovers. With Barnsley ultimately missing out on promotion in the playoffs to Sheffield Wednesday.

Joining Coventry

2023-2024 saw Bobby Thomas make his first permanent move of his career. On 22 July 2023, Thomas joined Coventry on a four year deal.

In his first season at Coventry, Thomas played 49 times for Coventry (44 Championship appearances and five FA Cup appearances). With Coventry finishing ninth. Last season, he played 45 times for Coventry. A great showcase of his availability which can be a selling point on its own. Whilst stating the obvious ability to make the team sheet every week can make a player invaluable. Especially, given the current squad depth the Blades have in this position.

Statistical look at his 2024-2025 compared to Ahmedhodzic

Ultimately, when signing new centre-backs the bench mark is Anel Ahmedhodzic. Fortunately, for comparison both played 38 games in last season’s Championship.

From an attacking perspective both Thomas and Ahmedhodzic contributed goals. With Thomas bagging five and Ahmedhodzic scoring three. Interestingly, Ahmedhodzic created more chances (13) than Thomas’ seven. For a centre-back, Thomas had 32 shots last season. With four of his goals coming from headers making him an aerial threat in both boxes.

Discipline wise, Thomas was much better receiving just four yellow cards to Ahmedhodzic’s 11.

Defensive

On the all important defensive stats the pair share the spoils. Ahmedhodzic betters Thomas on successful tackles per 90 with 1.23 to Thomas’ 0.86. As well as making more interceptions per 90 (1.15) compared to Thomas (1.03) and winning the ball back in the final third 0.06 times per 90 compared to Thomas’ 0.03 times per 90.

Thomas leads on blocks per 90, making four times as many blocks with 0.32 per 90. A better clearances per 90 of 5.72 to Ahmedhodzic’s 4.91. As well as making more headed clearances (3.13) compared to Ahmedhodzic’s 2.58.

This suggests Ahmedhodzic is better at winning the ball on the floor. Whilst, Thomas is better in the air and stronger at clearing the danger. Ultimately, they’d make a well balanced pair. In Thomas’ favour as the potential future candidate the stats are marginal in difference and he could continue to add to his game as he develops.

Takeaways

Bobby Thomas looks like a very good centre-back option for a Blades’s squad that is reaching a stage of the window where bringing in quality must also be balanced with bringing in anyone.

Thomas is no doubt Championship quality. Whilst, the reported fee can seem high the context of United’s clear defensive struggles, plus an inflated market. As well as throwing in the fee received for Ahmedhodzic. Coventry are in a decent position to demand a good fee for them. With the added concern the Sky Blues may have for their own centre-back depth.

Ultimately, Thomas’ Championship experience and availability are two massive pros to bringing him to Bramall Lane. Plus, if he can be as effective as Gustavo Hamer and Callum O’Hare, he’ll be loved in no time.