Who is Sheffield United target Botan Ameen? | OneFootball

This window, one thing that’s clear about Sheffield United’s early recruitment is a focus on youth. With Ukaki and other signings that have been linked being in their early 20s or late teens.

The latest rumour focuses on the latter. With Joe Acklam of the Swindon Advertiser reporting the Blades have had a bid rejected for Swindon Town’s Botan Ameen, 18.

The right winger has also reportedly led to offers from Norwich City and Bristol Rovers. Whilst he has also generated great interest. With more Premier League and Championship sides circling.

But with all this interest and early intent from the Blades. Who is he?

Academy days

Ameen, born in London,  began his youth career at QPR. At 16, he left QPR’s academy and quickly looked for a new club.

He initially joined Swindon Town on a scholarship. Before going on to play in the club’s academy.

In the 2023-2024 season, Ameen moved into Swindon’s U18s. He caught attention on 17 January last year during a match against Manchester United in the FA Youth Cup.

Ameen scored the two goals to help Swindon beat Manchester United 2-0. His first goal came on the 13th minute. Some play on the right wing led to a cross which was flicked on by Ameen to the back post. Where the ball was played back across goal for Ameen to grab a poacher’s finish.

For his second just 24 minutes later. The ball began just inside Manchester United’s half on the left hand side. Some quick passing led to a ball that split the Manchester United defence. Allowing Ameen to use his pace to get around the Red Devils’ centre-back. Before, a brilliant finish past the goalkeeper with the ball buried in the middle of the goal.

It’s clear this impressed the Red Devils’ scouts with them and Wolves linked to Ameen in the summer of 2024.

Into the first-team

Ameen’s professional debut came against Bristol Rovers’ this season on 8 October 2024. He even managed a goal against Rovers. As he bagged the fourth goal in a 4-0 victory.

Seemingly, if he scores against you, you immediately take notice. At least Sheffield United and Norwich City aren’t taking the approach of if you can’t beat them buy them.

Ameen’s goal in the game was very different to his two in the FA Youth Cup. Swindon had a corner and delivered an inswinger right on to his head thanks to Ameen’s leap. Before, the keeper knew about it the ball had been nodded past him.

On the team’s goals, Ameen said: “I ran to the corner like four times when we celebrated every goal meant everything to me. Even if it wasn’t my goal. Because you take part in everything that happens.”

A quote that will remind many Blades of the club’s current young star Sydie Peck. If Ameen can bring that passion he’ll be a fan favourite quickly.

The stats

In League Two last season, Ameen made 14 appearances but only started three times. Despite this he managed a goal contribution a start. Finishing the season with one goal and two assists in the English fourth division.

His two league assists came against Doncaster Rovers and Bradford City. His first league goal came in the 95th minute against Grimsby. The goal made the score-line 4-0 mirroring his first professional goal’s impact. In all competitions, Ameen played 17 times with four goal contributions.

In the final game of the League Two season, Ameen played the full match against MK Dons. He played on the right side of midfield in Swindon’s 3-4-2-1 formation. In the game statistically, he completed the most dribbles (7) and won the most duels (12) of any player on the pitch.

International Call-Up

In May 2024, Ameen was called up by the Iraq Under 20s. He remained on the bench for the two friendlies against Oman.

Although, he did feature for the squad against Al Zawraa and Al Hudood in unofficial friendlies.

Later in the summer in late June and early July, he featured in the 2024 WAFF U19 Championship for Iraq. The nation were the two-time defending Champions.

During the tournament he came on for his official debut against Jordan. Before starting in a 2-0 win over Lebanon. Unfortunately, Iraq couldn’t win a third-straight WAFF U19 Championship being knocked out in the groups. As the hosts Saudi Arabia took home the trophy.

On the call up, Ameen said: “It was a new experience, I’d never stayed in another country for that long a duration. It was a month and a half in Iraq and then Saudi Arabia.

“It does test your mental resilience. But you have to stay strong because you are there for international duty. To play for your country and it’s a big achievement.”

Takeaways

It’s clear that Ameen is a rising talent. With last season, a crucial one is his overall development as his youth football success began to translate to senior football.

If he heads to Bramall Lane, it’s likely he will be another addition for the youth squad. With the jump to the Championship possibly too great for now. Although, he has taken to every challenge he’s faced so far.

If his trajectory carries on the same based on how many clubs are after him now. Plus, his efficiency in his first senior season. At the right price, the Blades should look to get this deal done. Obviously, it would be great if he would become a top player at Bramall Lane. But equally with such current interest, any development he could make with the Blades, could make him a profitable asset for the future. A key factor for clubs like Sheffield United signing young potential players from other clubs.