Former Wonderkid Reportedly Training With Sheffield United; Can the Blades Reignite His Career? | OneFootball

Sheffield United look set to miss out on one of their rumoured summer transfer targets after Southampton agreed a deal to sign Aston Villa winger Lewis Dobbin.

The Saints have reached an agreement worth an initial £9 million, per Jacob Tanswell, with further add-ons included in the package, for the 23-year-old, who is expected to undergo his medical before completing the move to the south coast. Southampton have moved quickly to secure Dobbin’s signature despite strong interest from several Championship clubs, ending any hopes that the winger could make a move to Bramall Lane this summer.

Dobbin had been linked with the Blades in recent weeks as Chris Wilder continues his search for reinforcements in the wide areas. With Sheffield United expected to add pace, creativity and attacking depth ahead of the new Championship campaign, the versatile winger was believed to be among the players being monitored by the club after his excellent loan spell at Preston North End last term.

Capable of operating on either flank but particularly comfortable from the left, Dobbin appeared to fit the profile United have been targeting this summer. His pace, direct running and ability to stretch defences would have offered something different to Wilder’s attacking options.

However, with Southampton now on the verge of finalising the transfer, Sheffield United will have to look elsewhere as they continue reshaping their squad before the season gets underway.

Sheffield United Taking A Look at Rabbi Matondo

One player who has emerged as a potential alternative is Welsh international Rabbi Matondo. Reports have suggested that the 25-year-old is currently training with Sheffield United as he looks to earn a move to Bramall Lane this summer.

Matondo only recently joined Norwegian side Brann on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at Rangers. However, his spell in Norway has been remarkably short-lived, making just three appearances for the club before seeking a return to British football.

The winger is now believed to be looking for an opportunity to rebuild his career in familiar surroundings, with Sheffield United potentially offering him the perfect platform to do exactly that.

Despite his recent struggles, Matondo has plenty of experience at a high level. During his three seasons at Rangers, he made more than 44 appearances in all competitions, scoring seven goals and registering nine assists. Although he never fully established himself as an automatic starter at Ibrox, flashes of his electric pace and dribbling ability demonstrated the qualities that once made him one of Britain’s brightest young prospects.

Before arriving in Scotland, Matondo had already built an intriguing CV. Having come through Manchester City’s academy, he made an early move to Germany with Schalke before later enjoying spells with Stoke City and Cercle Brugge. His career has perhaps not progressed as many predicted during his teenage years, but at 25, there remains time for him to rediscover the form that earned him international recognition with Wales.

Matondo Fits the “Wilder” Type of Signing

Signing Matondo would represent a different type of gamble compared to pursuing Dobbin. While the Aston Villa winger is still viewed as an emerging talent with significant resale value, Matondo arrives with greater experience but also with a point to prove after failing to make an impact during his brief time in Norway.

Should the Blades proceed with a move, Wilder and his coaching staff will believe they can unlock the winger’s undoubted potential. United have often been at their best under Wilder when giving players the opportunity to rebuild their careers, and Matondo could fit that mould if a deal materialises. Names such as David McGoldrick, Patrick Bamford and Jairo Riedewald spring to mind.

Whether Matondo becomes the answer out wide remains to be seen, but his presence training with the Blades suggests there is genuine interest from both sides. If he can impress Wilder over the coming days, Sheffield United may decide that the Welsh international is worth the opportunity, particularly with it being a free transfer.