Sheffield United must sign striker with ‘frightening’ potential this summer – Opinion

As Sheffield United prepare for a huge rebuilding job this summer, there are many areas of the squad that the Blades need to invest in.

We’ve already talked about the left-back situation and explained why United must sign Harrison Burrows at all costs. But today I will focus on the attack.

Unfortunately, Sheffield United are still in contract talks with Oli McBurnie, while a deal has been on the table for several weeks for 20-year-old striker Daniel Jebbison. And as time goes on, speculation about Jebbison’s departure only grows.

Meanwhile, there is some hope that United’s number nine will pen a new deal at some point this month. But even still, the club’s attacking depth is far from stacked.

As things stand, Chris Wilder will have Rhian Brewster, Will Osula and Louie Marsh as forward options – with Cameron Archer set to be sold back to Aston Villa. Even with the addition of McBurnie, the attacking depth would be filled with players who have a poor fitness record and two promising forwards who are still in the developing stage of their careers.

The latter – Osula and Marsh – may very well be players with potential, but you really don’t want to rest your promotion hopes on the shoulders of two inexperienced players.

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Oliver McBurnie of Sheffield United prepares to take a penalty during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Manchester United at Bramall Lane on October 21, 2023 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

We all know that the Blades and Manchester City have a friendly relationship that has been formed over the past two years. In the 2022/23 promotion-winning campaign, City loaned Tommy Doyle and James McAtee to United and the young duo had eye-opening campaigns under Paul Heckingbottom.

Pep Guardiola would then sanction another loan for McAtee at Bramall Lane last summer, but the 21-year-old, as expected, made much less of an impact in the Premier League. Of course, City even helped the Blades sign Troyes defender Yasser Larouci on loan from City’s sister club in France, although it turned out to be a disastrous move.

Perhaps Man City will be kind enough to help Sheffield United once more as they face an almighty task of bringing in a dozen players this summer.

The only realistic player that stands out to me in the City ranks is promising striker Liam Delap. The 21-year-old has already made 68 league appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing two assists in the process.

Last season, Delap, the son of Stoke City legend Rory Delap, was called upon to have a breakout campaign for Hull City. And while he showed his skills in scoring eight league goals, his progress was hampered for several months by injury. However, it was still an impressive season.

His injury may be a blessing in disguise as he still has some wrinkles in his game that he needs to work out before he faces the Premier League. Consequently, another championship loan beckons.

HULL, ENGLAND – APRIL 27: Hull City’s Liam Delap celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Jean Michael Seri during the Sky Bet Championship match between Hull City and Ipswich Town at the MKM Stadium on April 27, 2024. in Hull, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

There have been reports suggesting Manchester City would be willing to accept a £10million bid this summer, which for his potential is a steal. I can see a Championship club like Sheffield United negotiating a loan deal that includes an obligation to buy, provided the team wins promotion to the Premier League.

Hull City manager Liam Rosenior was quoted at the start of the previous season describing Delap as a player with frightening potential.

“He’s getting better and better in his time with us and will be a big threat for us for the rest of the season.

“He can play anywhere on the pitch, he’s that good. Naturally, it’s number nine. He is the number nine with a lot of technical and physical ability and speed.

“He’s scary, his potential and his ability and I hope I get the chance to work with him a lot more than the next few months,” via Hull Live.

His potential is truly frightening and you know there is a top player in them when he was touted as a potential replacement for Sergio Aguero at the tender age of 17.

What I find unique about Liam Delap is that he cuts the figure of a traditional English target man who stands at over 6ft and looks very strong. But he is much more than that.

The City Academy product can play as a number nine, number ten and wide forward thanks to his excellent ball control and dribbling ability.

Although Delap doesn’t have the best finishing stats, it can be worked on. According to FBref, Delap ranked in the 43rd percentile for non-penalty goals compared to other strikers in the league last season. And his expected goal ranking was also low: 21st.

On the other hand, the 21-year-old ranks in the 90th percentile for shot-making actions, highlighting that he really has a big impact on games even if he doesn’t score.

Additionally, Delap ranks in the 99th percentile in progressive carries and the 98th percentile in successful takedowns.

Describing Delap’s style of play would be impossible because there aren’t many strikers like him in the English game. As I alluded to earlier: he is very unique.

For a big physical presence, he has understated quickness, not just off the ball but with the ball at his feet. He can catch defenders, beat them and evade their tackles with great footwork and control. He is able to create chances out of nothing for himself and his teammates.

But the one thing that stands out for me is his movement and vision (understanding) of the game and I hope we can see that at Bramall Lane next season.