“Could be quite a shrewd move” – Sheffield United face potential transfer call involving Newcastle United man: The verdict | OneFootball

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Football League World

·8 February 2023

“Could be quite a shrewd move” – Sheffield United face potential transfer call involving Newcastle United man: The verdict

Article image:“Could be quite a shrewd move” – Sheffield United face potential transfer call involving Newcastle United man: The verdict

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Back in the summer, Sheffield United made the decision to bring experienced defender Ciaran Clark to the club.


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Indeed, the Irishman joined the Blades on a season-long loan deal from Newcastle United.

Since then, somewhat hampered by injuries, Clark has gone on to make just nine appearances for the Blades, starting six matches in a row in November through December when fit.

Interestingly, Clark’s current contract with Newcastle is due to expire this summer, meaning he would be available on a free transfer ahead of next season.

With that in mind, three of our FLW writers have offered their thoughts on whether the Blades should pursue a permanent agreement with the current Newcastle United man.

Simmey Hannifin-Donaldson

I think much could depend on how the second half of the season goes and how fit Clark can remain.

It would be pointless doing a deal in the summer if indeed he can’t stay healthy.

However, with the Blades looking like returning to the Premier League, given his experience in the top flight, on a free transfer, a permanent deal for the Irishman could be quite a shrewd move.

Even if you are not bringing him in to start, as a squad player, having an experienced head like his in the dressing room could prove vital in what is likely going to be a tough season for the club if indeed they do get promoted.

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Declan Harte

Clark’s game time has been rather limited since joining United and it’s hard to see it improving if the club gets promoted.

Injuries have hampered his availability, and that is likely only going to get worse given his age profile.

At his best, the Irishman was never quite up to Premier League standard and always had a glaring mistake in him.

As a possible free agent, it might be worth picking him up to fill out the squad.

But it should be seen as a last resort as there’s not much he could really offer besides being an emergency option off the bench or to fill in during an injury crisis.

Toby Wilding

It does feel as though a permanent move for Clark could be worth considering for Sheffield United.

Given the transfer embargo they are currently under, it remains to be seen exactly what scope to recruit players the Blades will have once the transfer window opens again at the end of the season.

If at that point, they are still unable to pay fees for players, it may be that the cub need to be looking at potential free agents such as Clark to strengthen their side, and the fact he is already familiar from his loan spell here, would allow him to hit the ground running at Bramall Lane.

With Sheffield United also looking well set for promotion this season, someone with his top-flight experience could be an important presence in the squad, so it does feel as though this is a deal that may well be worth pursuing.

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