“Goalkeeper is currently a weak position, and Hladky would undoubtedly provide a significant improvement over both Ivo Grbic and Adam Davies. If money weren’t a concern and we were to lose out on other goalkeeping targets like Mike Cooper, I’d be looking to bring him in.”
Although he believes such a move is unlikely, Owain has expressed his wish to see more innovation in the middle of the park and has named Stuart Armstrong as a desirable candidate.
“I also really like Stuart Armstrong, he’s become a free agent after leaving Southampton recently,” he said. “He’s a great player in my opinion, and in Wilder’s favored system, he might give us terrific depth in that offensive midfield role, a la Mark Duffy.
“I’d be looking to bring him in, I think wages could be an issue and I could probably see him moving on to play in Scotland, possibly with Celtic, so I doubt we’d get him but if the opportunity arose I would be looking into him.”
| Stuart Armstrong’s Championship stats for Southampton in 23/24, as per FotMob | |
| Appearances | 42 |
| Starts | 33 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 7 |
| Chances created | 68 |
| Successful dribbles | 40 |
Hladky and Armstrong are the additions that can assist United demonstrate their credentials for promotion going into the upcoming season, but Owain has also emphasized how crucial it is to keep Oli McBurnie around given his precarious contract status.
The judgment on Sheffield United and Oli McBurnie
“Another free agent I’d absolutely love for us to keep is Oli McBurnie, according to the statement that the club released we’re still in talks with him, and it’s reported he’s still training with us,” Owain stated.
“I firmly believe that we ought to offer him a new contract. McBurnie has developed into a true leader in the team over the past few years. This year, while he has been healthy, his performances in the Championship promotion season under Paul Heckingbottom have been the greatest he has ever put on in a Blades uniform.
“I really rate McBurnie and I hope we can find a resolution to the discussions.”
According to reports, the Blades are hoping to recruit Harrison Burrows and Ricky-Jade Jones from Posh together this summer.
Oli McBurnie must stay at Sheffield United, if at all possible.
It’s understandable why Owain is so keen to have McBurnie on staff; the former Swansea and Barnsley forward has proven success at this level and, should he continue in the Championship, should be among the top scorers in the coming season provided he stays healthy.
At the age of 28, McBurnie still has a lot to give. He earned his opportunity to play in the Premier League after scoring 22 goals for Swansea City in 2018–19 and 13 more to assist United return the season before last.
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