QPR attacker Eberechi Eze in action. (Getty Images)
According to The Sun (h/t The Express), Sheffield United were long time admirers of QPR star Eberechi Eze but the Blades have backed out from a deal after the Championship side demanded £20m for the midfielder.
Eze, 21, came through the ranks of Millwall FC’s youth system and joined QPR’s U23 side in 2016. He was then sent on loan to Wycombe for half a season. Since his return, he has been a regular under both Steve McLaren and Mark Warburton.
He is enjoying one of his best productive seasons so far and has been one of the best young playmakers in the country. His impressive performances have also earned him rave reviews and haven’t gone unnoticed, with Tottenham and Crystal Palace also keen on him, as per the report.
Meanwhile, the Blades have been a surprise package in the top tier after competing at the same level as some of the bigger clubs in the Premier League. They are currently 8th in the league standings, above the likes of Arsenal and Everton and are hoping for European qualification.
Under the leadership of Chris Wilder, Sheffield United have done a better job and they are on course to achieve their best finish in the league. However, the manager would have to add reinforcements to his squad if they are to continue at the same level in the following seasons.
Sheffield have a plethora of midfield talents in the likes of John Lundstrom, John Fleck and Oliver Norwood. Youngster Sander Berge was also signed last January to add to their defensive midfield ranks. However, in the creativity department, Luke Freeman and Ricky Holmes are the only options available at the manager’s disposal.
While Freeman has featured in just 10 league games, Holmes is yet to make an appearance this season and his contract with the club expires in the summer. Therefore, Wilder needs to bring in youngsters to add depth in the squad and Eberechi Eze would be a good choice for the club.
The 21-year-old is in the form of his life, impressing in the Championship with 12 goals and 8 assists. He has been lively for QPR, helping them to 13th place and is one of the vital players in the squad. He has already surpassed his tally of 4 goals and 4 assists from last season. This clearly indicates his improvement in the last 12 months.
The English U21 international has the ability to succeed at a higher level under proper guidance, given he takes the right step in his development. He could become a key player in the Blades’ attacking system and would be a crucial signing if he can reproduce the same form.
At 21, this would be the right time for Eze to take a leap into the Premier League and with Sheffield, he can hone his skills and can represent them in the long run. Therefore, the Blades should reignite their interest and fork out the money to sign the youngster in the summer.
