3 reasons why Sheffield United must avoid transfer swoop for former Liverpool man | OneFootball

Sheffield United have been linked with a move for former Liverpool and England midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Sheffield United are pushing for promotion to the Premier League, but boss Chris Wilder will know the importance of the January window if they are to be successful.

The Blades have enjoyed a very impressive campaign so far, and it’s worth noting that they would be top of the table had they not been hit with a points deduction.

Nevertheless, they are third, but automatic promotion is the aim, and Wilder will be hoping for serious backing from the new owners this month to ensure the squad can last the distance.

Sheffield United monitoring Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

A host of names have been linked with a switch to Bramall Lane, and recent reports have suggested that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is on Sheffield United’s radar.

The 31-year-old is currently with Besiktas, but he will be well-known to Blades fans, having enjoyed a brilliant career that saw him feature for Southampton, Arsenal, Liverpool and England.

This is a player who has won 35 caps for his country, a Premier League title, a Champions League and the FA Cup three times, so his arrival would naturally excite some fans.

Yet, there are risks to this potential deal, and here we outline THREE reasons why it’s a move Sheffield United should not pursue…

His injury record is a concern

Firstly, Oxlade-Chamberlain has been very unfortunate with injuries over the years, and whilst you have sympathy for the midfielder, it’s a worry for any club taking him on.

The Blades have suffered this season already, with Wilder’s squad getting pushed to its limit, and the manager is surely going to want new additions who he can rely on.

Sadly, Oxlade-Chamberlain’s record suggests he can’t be trusted on that front, and even though he could help the team, there is a real possibility he could spend weeks or months out of the side due to injuries.

Given the demanding nature of the Championship, finding players who have shown their durability over the years must be a factor that the recruitment team are taking into consideration this month.

He may struggle to make an instant impact

Following on from that, January isn’t a time when you take risks. Even if Oxlade-Chamberlain was available, there’s little evidence to suggest he would be an upgrade for the team straight away.

He has made just five appearances for Besiktas this season, scoring once, and that includes just one start - when he was subbed at half-time.

In total, he has played less than 200 minutes of football, so it would be asking a lot for him to hit the ground running with Sheffield United.

As outlined above, January is a time when you sign for the here and now, particularly in the Blades’ position. Oxlade-Chamberlain will need time to get up to speed, and it’s time that the Yorkshire outfit may not have, as every game and every point is massive over the next few months.

Sheffield United have other priorities

Finally, you could argue that Sheffield United need to target specialists for specific positions, and Oxlade-Chamberlain doesn't address that.

Whilst they do need a midfielder, a defensive physical presence would be preferred due to Vini Souza’s injuries, which isn’t really Oxlade-Chamberlain’s game.

Of course, he could do a job, but, as mentioned, someone with more physicality and defensive know-how would help the team.

The ex-Liverpool man can play out wide, but Jesurun Rak-Sakyi is returning from injury, and Andre Brooks is progressing nicely.

With Harry Souttar’s injury, a centre-back would be very welcome, and many agree that the Blades need another number nine.