Sheffield United Opinion: Why the Blades should sign Burnley’s Ben Gibson

According to a report from The Sun, Sheffield United are one of the Premier League clubs interested in signing Burnley centre-back Ben Gibson.

The 26-year-old became the Clarets’ record signing when he moved to Turf Moor from Middlesbrough last August in a £15m deal, which has three years left to run.

He had a difficult first season with Sean Dyche’s side, however, making just one appearance all season due to injury, and as per the report, Burnley are ready to sell the defender outright, but they are also prepared to loan him out with the view to a permanent switch in 2020.

Ben Gibson is also keen to move away from Turf Moor after just a season to boost his chances of international selection. That being said, a move to Sheffield United could help the 26-year-old revitalise his career.

Sheffield United have shown some intent in the transfer market after achieving promotion to the Premier League.

The Blades set a new transfer record when signing Luke Freeman from QPR and broke it again to bring Callum Robinson in from Preston earlier this month. On Sunday, they broke it for the third time this summer after agreeing on a £10m transfer for Lys Mousset from Bournemouth.

Meanwhile, defender Phil Jagielka has returned to Sheffield United after his contract at Everton expired. The ex-England international has tons of Premier League experience and is a smart addition to Chris Wilder’s side.

Chris Basham, John Egan and Jack O’Connell formed the joint best defence in the Championship last season.

While the likes of Phil Jagielka and Richard Stearman will provide support, Wilder needs to have strength in defensive depth to tackle the rigours of the Premier League. That should make the signing of Ben Gibson real sense.

While Gibson has suffered a dip in form in the last two seasons, he remains a top player and must work his way back to the top next season. It’s hard to find quality left-footed centre backs, yet the 26-year-old is exactly that and would be perfect for a United team playing out from the back.

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He is a big, strong and imposing centre-half, who enjoys going toe-to-toe with physically dominant forwards. The Nunthorpe-born star is a real leader at the back and would be a straight upgrade on Basham in Wilder’s three-man backline.

Verdict

Wilder needs his signings to have an immediate impact and help the club stay in the Premier League. And Gibson could prove a shrewd signing for the Blades if Wilder can get him back to his best.