Revealed: Premier League Outfit Scouted Young Sheffield United Star Last Season as Blades Seek Midfield Reinforcements | OneFootball

Sheffield United could face a tough test in holding onto one of their brightest young prospects this summer, with Premier League side West Ham United reportedly scouting Sydie Peck as they look to add youth and energy to their midfield.

According to The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg, Peck is among a list of emerging talents being monitored by the Hammers, alongside Sunderland’s Chris Rigg and Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney.

West Ham Have Scouted Young Sheffield United Star

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – MARCH 11: Sydie Peck of Sheffield United looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United FC and Bristol City FC at Bramall Lane on March 11, 2025 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Peck, 20, stepped into the spotlight during the 2024/25 season following a long-term injury to fellow Blades academy graduate Oliver Arblaster in the Steel City derby win at Bramall Lane in November. Having been thrust into a more prominent role, Peck adapted quickly to the demands of the Championship, showcasing his aggression, composure, and box-to-box ability.

He ended the season with 32 league starts, providing two assists and no goals – the only real criticism of his campaign was his lack of goals and assists despite getting into some great positions.

The potential exit of Vinicius Souza, another key cog in United’s midfield from last season, means that the Blades could lose two (or even three, if counting Gustavo Hamer) key midfielders in the same window. Souza’s performances last term has attracted interest from several European clubs and even Premier League teams and is seen as a saleable asset with only two years left on his contract.

A fully fit Arblaster is expected to reclaim his starting role next season, and while both he and Peck are talented, in my opinion, Arblaster’s ability to read the flow of a game and just play the percentages in the final third arguably gives him the edge in a double pivot.

Peck then may find himself as a rotation and substitute, especially if Souza stays, which could potentially sway his decision. You’d think if he’s going to sit on the bench with the Blades, the former Arsenal youngster may as well go and sit on the bench at West Ham on more money with a chance of Premier League minutes, and being closer to home.

Blades Linked With Experienced Midfielder

OXFORD, ENGLAND – MARCH 15: Cameron Brannagan of Oxford United looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Oxford United FC and Watford FC at Kassam Stadium on March 15, 2025 in Oxford, England. (Photo by Cameron Howard/Getty Images)

Sheffield United have also been linked with reinforcements in the midfield department. The club is reportedly one of three Championship sides interested in Oxford United’s experienced midfielder Cameron Brannagan, per Graeme Bailey, via EFL Analysis, with Leicester City also interested.

Brannagan, 29, played a pivotal role in Oxford’s promotion campaign to the second tier two seasons ago, and he helped keep the U’s up last term, putting in hard-battling performances and chipping in with three goals and four assists.

The Liverpool academy graduate would bring plenty of leadership as well as goals and assists (scoring 16 times and serving 24 assists in last two seasons) to a Blades midfield which desperately struggled in that department compared to the two promoted sides.

This link comes after United have been monitoring Leyton Orient’s 23-year-old midfield general Ethan Galbraith, as they continue to identify affordable midfielders in case of any departures.