"I think he will" - Prediction made on Oli McBurnie future at Sheffield United | OneFootball

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…

Oli McBurnie’s future at Sheffield United remains uncertain going into the upcoming summer transfer window.

The 27-year-old is set to be a free agent once the season comes to an end, unless an agreement can be reached on a contract extension.

According to Alan Nixon, the forward is attracting interest from Turkish outfit Antalyaspor following the Blades’ relegation from the Premier League.

McBurnies has been with the Yorkshire outfit since 2019, joining the club from Swansea City following their promotion to the top flight under Chris Wilder.

He has contributed six goals and three assists for Sheffield United in the Premier League this season, having made 21 appearances in the competition (all stats from Fbref).

McBurnie could be key to promotion push next year

FLW’s Sheffield United fan pundit Owain Wyse believes that the club should do what they can to ensure McBurnie remains at Bramall Lane.

He believes that the Scotland international could be key to the team pushing for promotion back to the Premier League again next year.

“I can see McBurnie signing a new deal,” Wyse told Football League World.

“I think it’ll be short-term, maybe one or two years, but I think he will.

“I do think he feels quite a strong connection to the club, and hopefully the club recognises how important he is to us and are willing to offer him a new deal.

“Because I think he is a really important player.

“Given next season we’re in the Championship, I think he can really flourish and really spearhead that push to get back to where we are, back to the Premier League.”

McBurnie played a key role in Paul Heckingbottom’s side last season as the club earned promotion to the Premier League.

He scored 13 goals from 38 appearances as the team finished second in the Championship table.

But it has been a disappointing return to the top division for the Blades, who have been relegated with multiple games to spare.

After five years at Bramall Lane, McBurnie may opt for a change of scenery amid links with a move to Turkey.

Sheffield United still have three games remaining in the Premier League, with fixtures against Nottingham Forest, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur to end their stint in the top flight.

Losing McBurnie would be a blow to Sheffield United

McBurnie has proven a reliable performer for Sheffield United during his time at the club, so losing him for nothing would be a real blow.

While availability has been an issue, he has performed well when in the team and has proven himself as a consistent goal scorer.

Keeping him could be key to a promotion push next year, so it’s no surprise that supporters would be keen to see him sign a new deal.

However, a move to Turkey could be enticing as it offers McBurnie the chance for the player to experience something new in his career.