"Past his best" - Norwich City: Chances of Sheffield United swooping for Ashley Barnes played down | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit gives his verdict on the club's potential pursuit of Ashley Barnes

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Sheffield United are reportedly showing an interest in signing Ashley Barnes from Norwich City in January.

According to Alan Nixon, the Blades have turned their attention to the 35-year-old, with Chris Wilder’s side seeking automatic promotion back to the Premier League, while also showing an interest in re-signing Ben Brereton Diaz from Southampton.

Barnes joined the Canaries in the summer of 2023, and is out of contract at the end of the campaign.

The striker has made five league appearances so far this term, including only one start, with his last league goal coming in a 3-0 win over Stoke City last March.

Ashley Barnes transfer verdict

When asked whether the club should pursue a move for Barnes in January, FLW’s Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy, from Blades Ramble, claimed that it wouldn’t be a sensible decision.

He has highlighted his age, as well as the number of attacking options already in the squad, as reasons why it’s not a move he sees happening in 2025.

“Ashley Barnes is a good player at this level,” Jimmy told Football League World.

“Obviously, getting on a little bit now.

“I would argue probably past his best.

“I think we’ve already got a striker in a similar mould, in terms of doing what Barnes does well, in Kieffer Moore.

“Kieffer Moore is our number nine, big strong forward, and we play with one up front now.

“So, we’ve got Kieffer Moore, Tyrese Campbell, we’ve also got Rhian Brewster, we’ve still got Ryan Oné, who started the game at the weekend.

“I’d be surprised if we bring another striker in, particularly if we do look at Brereton Diaz, who can also play as a striker as well.

“So, I think it’s very unlikely that Ashley Barnes will be coming to Sheffield United in January.”

Sheffield United should avoid Barnes signing

Sheffield United have enough attacking options and do not need to add a 35-year-old Barnes to their ranks.

While it would be a relatively low-cost deal to get done, most likely, that doesn’t mean it’s one they should pursue.

The forward has struggled with injuries lately, and is in the final stages of his career.

There’s been nothing this season that suggests he could offer Wilder’s side much on the pitch, meaning he’d just end up taking a valuable place in the squad.