Sheffield United star has “bright future”, a Blades cult hero has claimed amid Premier League links | OneFootball

It was vital for Sheffield United to keep their midfield intact in the midst of the summer transfer window, but moving forward they may have no choice but to see one of their prized assets depart, if he keeps up his brilliant performances.

It was a slight eyebrow raiser last season when Chris Wilder began to include the likes of Oliver Arblaster and Andre Brooks in his Premier League matchday squads. While the two boyhood Blades came into a poor team, they both showed moments of class, and it very quickly became apparent that they were indeed the future of the football club.

After amassing 32 Premier League appearances between them, they seemed to have physically, and mentally, stepped up over the course of the summer to the point where they are both deemed top Championship players. The only downside to this is, if they maintain these levels of performances then the club will receive several tempting offers for them. Especially Arblaster, who is being strongly linked to Brighton & Hove Albion.

The 20-year-old is on Brighton’s radar with reports from Alan Nixon suggesting that they’re prepared to make a move for him when the January transfer window comes around.

Arblaster has found the net twice across the first five Championship games, and he’s averaging 2 key passes per game along with his average pass completion rate of 86%. The England youth international has all the hallmarks of a top-class midfielder: he’s constantly scanning the field over his shoulder, he makes himself available for the ball, and he can control the ball in tight situations.

Arblaster, who has captained the Blades three times this season, has already received high praise from a Sheffield United legend and a three-time promotion winner, Chris Basham.

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 01: Oliver Arblaster of Sheffield United is awarded a penalty after Yasser Larouci of Watford miss times his tackle during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United FC and Watford FC at Bramall Lane on September 01, 2024 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

Sheffield United legend heaps praise on Oliver Arblaster

Basham, now retired from football after a horrific ankle break last season, has begun his career outside of football working as a pundit for Sky Sports. And the former United centre-back was on duty to analyse Hull City vs the Blades last Friday evening.

Speaking about the young midfielder, Basham said, “He went on loan and learned his trade [last season] and the manager had belief in him. He gave him the armband at times, and he’s got the respect of the dressing room and the manager as well.

“He’s brought goals to his game this season and everything he’s done so far has been top-class. He’s got a bright future ahead of him; he keeps his feet on the ground and it’s great to see. The manager probably had a little chat in pre-season and said go and get us a few goals and he’s got two already, so fair play to him, and I wish him all the success in the future.”

As things stand, Arblaster is one of the top players in the league, let alone midfielders, and a successful season could see plenty of big clubs come sniffing for his services.