John Egan (Getty Images)
According to The Sun, Irish defender John Egan has signed a new deal with Sheffield United that would keep him at the club until the end of the 2024 campaign.
The report suggests that he has agreed to a new four-year deal with the club, following in the footsteps of David McGoldrick and Oliver Norwood, both of whom have committed their future to the Blades.
Born in Ireland, Egan started his journey with Greenwood FC before rising through the ranks of Sunderland’s youth system. However, he failed to break into the Black Cats’ senior team and spent most of his earlier career on loan. He was sent on loan spells to Crystal Palace, Bradford and Southend United before joining Gillingham in the summer of 2014 on a free transfer.
In two years with the Gills, he managed to make 92 appearances and his impressive performances earned him a move to Bramall Lane. Since then, he has been a key figure at the back for the Blades, helping them get promoted to the top-flight.
Chris Wilder’s men were brilliant throughout the 2019/20 season as they managed to defy all odds and finish 9th position in the league standings. And one of the key reasons for their achievement is the stability at the back.
The manager opted a three-man central defence and alongside Jack O’Connell and Chris Basham, Egan played a key role the squad. They were in brilliant form, conceding just 39 goals. They boast of the fourth-best defensive record in the league for 2019/20.
The former Sunderland man played in all but two league games and helped them keep 12 clean sheets. His importance can be highlighted from the two games Egan missed, where they let in 3 goals.
He has been in top form and could also go on to be a leader in Sheffield’s defence in the future once Basham steps down. The Englishman is already 32 and reaching the twilight of his career.
Moreover, they have only three established centre-backs in their ranks. Kean Bryan is the only other option in central defence and the youngster is yet to convince the manager. Thus, tying down Egan for a few more years at Bramall Lane is the right choice by the club.
With limited options at the back, they have done the right thing by extending Egan’s stay. He is 27 and has a lot more to offer in the future. The Irish international can go on to be their leader in defence and his presence for a few more years would be a massive boost to Wilder’s side.
