One of Sheffield United’s most promising talents, Oli Arblaster, has pledged his long-term commitment to the club. As a lifelong Blade, Arblaster has signed a new contract, extending his stay at S2 until the summer of 2028.
Manager Chris Wilder intends to incorporate the teenager into the first team for the remainder of the season, opting against loaning him out for the latter part of the current campaign.
The 20-year-old bolstered his reputation with an impressive loan stint at Port Vale during the initial part of the season. Despite interest from Championship clubs, United opted to retain him within their first-team squad for the rest of their Premier League campaign, Chris Wilder revealed to SUTV.
“I had two or three Championship clubs come in for him to take him on loan, but we want him around us, we want him to be involved in the changing room. I’ve talked to him about the culture and getting to know it.”
Arblaster, who recently regained fitness, was named as an unused substitute in United’s 5-0 loss to Brighton last weekend. There’s a possibility he could mark his Premier League debut this upcoming weekend in an away fixture against Wolves.
Wilder described the youngster as ‘outstanding’ as the midfielder’s new deal was announced.
“He’s an outstanding young player, we did have a little bit of a setback with his injury at Port Vale, but he’s worked hard to get himself back.”
Upon extending his contract with the Blades, Arblaster said in an interview:
“I am buzzing to finally sign a long-term deal with my boyhood club. I can’t wait to kick on.
“I have seen he (the manager) has put his trust in the likes of Will (Osula) and Brooksy (Andre Brooks). They have signed long-term deals, and I am hoping I can repay his faith in me and go out and also perform on the pitch for him.”
