The Premier League club could spoil Sheffield United’s midfield plans

Sheffield United and Middlesbrough target Lewis O’Brien is now being linked with newly promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town, according to a report from Alan Nixon.

The Nottingham Forest midfielder is almost certain to leave the City Ground this summer and the 25-year-old has no shortage of options.

O’Brien made 23 appearances for Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough despite suffering a lengthy injury layoff from late September to early January. During his time on the pitch, he put in some impressive performances in midfield, contributing significantly to Boro’s 8th place finish.

As the summer transfer window approaches, O’Brien is likely to leave Nottingham Forest as the club attempt to balance their finances in line with Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. A move could see him continue his career in the Premier League next season with Ipswich Town, or in the Championship with either Boro or the Blades.

The versatile midfielder should come cheap for either side in the Championship as the Reds look to get rid of players they deem surplus to requirements. If the Tractor Boys do open negotiations, Forest will be much more demanding as they are seen as potential relegation rivals. Such negotiations could stop Ipswich and leave the door open for other teams.

BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND – JULY 20: Lewis O’Brien of Nottingham Forest during the pre-season friendly match between Nottingham Forest and Hertha Berlin at the Pirelli Stadium on July 20, 2022 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Sheffield United will certainly be in the market for midfielders this summer as they look to reshape their squad. With Oliver Norwood due to be released at the end of his contract in a few weeks, acquiring one or two players with experience of the rigors of Championship games is crucial.

Both manager Chris Wilder and the supporters have made it clear that they want the team to be built around Oliver Arblaster and Gustavo Hamer.

In Arblaster, United have a highly rated midfielder on their hands and he hasn’t looked out of place in the Premier League with outstanding performances against the likes of Chelsea etc.

In Hamer, the Blades have a top midfielder in the Championship, capable of providing goals and assists in abundance and has even shown his ability to perform at Premier League level.

There is a strong possibility that Sheffield United will sell Brazilian midfielder Vinicius Souza this summer. And the Blades can expect to pocket at least £10m from any sale. Ismaila Coulibaly could also be sold. This could mean that United could need at least three new midfielders.

Lewis O’Brien would provide Sheffield United with much more energy in midfield compared to Vinicius Souza this season. With genuine box-to-box ability, O’Brien is known for his tenacity and work rate, even if he is not the most physically imposing midfielder.

His left-footed play also adds valuable balance to the team’s midfield dynamic. Another player the Blades are likely to consider is Alex Mowatt, a left-handed midfielder who looks set to leave West Brom. In addition, Sheffield United are interested in signing former Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Steven Alzate, who is quite similar to O’Brien.