Kevin Nisbet File Photo File photo dated 22-08-2020 of Hibernian s Kevin Nisbet. FILE PHOTO For editorial use only. Additional clearance required for commercial or promotional use. All pictures must be credited to Alan Rennie Photography/PA PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xAlanxRenniex 56471442
According to The Star, Kevin Nisbet has emerged as a target for Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder. The Hibernian star is said to be among some of the names being considered by the Blades as they try to fight their way out of the relegation spots. It has also been said that the club are open to getting players on loan instead of permanent deals.
Nisbet rose through the youth ranks of Partick Thistle but made only 17 top-flight appearances for his boyhood club over three seasons. He spent time on loan at Dumbarton, East Stirlingshire and Ayr United in the lower divisions before sealing a permanent transfer to Raith Rovers.
He shot to prominence with an impressive tally of 29 goals in the Scottish League One during the 2018-19 season. That paved the way for a move to the Scottish Championship with Dunfermline Athletic, where he once again impressed with a 23-goal haul in all competitions last season. (h/t Transfermarkt)
Nisbet’s exploits were rewarded with a move to the top-flight with Hibernian. The striker has made an instant impact in the Premiership with 11 goals and 4 assists in 22 league appearances for the club so far. Nisbet has also netted twice in the League Cup, taking his overall tally up to 13 in 27 games.
With just 10 goals scored so far, it goes without saying that Wilder needs to look for some fresh additions to his attack. The likes of Oliver McBurnie, Billy Sharp, Lys Mousset, Rhian Brewster and Oliver Burke have offered very little. David McGoldrick is currently the top-scorer for the club with 6 goals to his name.
Putting things into context, Kevin Nisbet is more than worth a punt for struggling Sheffield United. The striker’s impressive form at Hibernian has seen him push for a Scotland call-up. That certainly underlines a massive upturn in fortunes for a player who was featuring in the third-tier just a couple of seasons back.
Nisbet has also earned a reputation as one of the brightest homegrown talents in Scotland as a result of his stunning breakout season at Easter Road. The 23-year-old looks like a player who would offer good value for money as far as the goal-shy Blades are concerned.
Kevin Nisbet still has his best years ahead of him at 23, thus making him a good long-term acquisition for Sheffield United. Whether or not he is capable of delivering the goals required to keep the club in the PL is worth a debate, but a potential deal for the Scottish star looks like a step in the right direction given the outlook of it.