Sheffield United told Oli McBurnie return "will divide the fan base" | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit has given his verdict on reported interest in an Oli McBurnie reunion

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…

Sheffield United are one of the clubs that have been linked with a move for Oli McBurnie this summer.

It was reported by Alan Nixon that the Blades are considering a reunion with the forward following the end of their campaign.

Chris Wilder will be looking to bolster his squad after the team missed out on promotion to the Premier League with a play-off final defeat to Sunderland.

McBurnie spent last season with Las Palmas, moving there from Bramall Lane, but could be available as a free agent after the Spanish side suffered relegation from La Liga.

Oli McBurnie transfer claim

When asked about potentially re-signing McBurnie, FLW’s Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy, from Blades Ramble, claimed it’s a deal that would only make sense if Wilder continued playing two up front instead of one.

He believes the 28-year-old is capable of performing well at a Championship level, but is unsure if a deal would be worthwhile if the team will play with just one striker.

“This one will divide the fan base, because he’s a huge character, something which I think will be welcome in this Sheffield United squad,” Jimmy told Football League World.

“On his day, certainly a handful at Championship level, a good player I would say.

“The question we’ve got to ask ourselves: does he improve us? And if we are to stick with one up top, which we’ve been playing for the majority of the season in our 4-2-3-1, then I don’t think he’s an option for us.

“Because I think we’ll stick with Tyrese Campbell, Tom Cannon and Kieffer Moore.

“However, in the last few games of the season, we did switch to a 4-4-2 and sacrificed Callum O’Hare, who is a very good player.

“And if we are to persist with two up front, then Oli McBurnie as an option two of four strikers would certainly be a good option at this level, in my opinion.”

McBurnie reunion could work with two up top

Sheffield United adding a fourth forward option would surely mean the plan is to play two up front next season.

Otherwise, adding another attacker to Wilder’s frontline might be a bit overkill when other areas of the team need improvement.

McBurnie proved himself a valuable part of the side in the Championship in the past, but a reunion wouldn’t necessarily make the most sense unless the 4-4-2 is here to stay.