Sheffield United have as many as 13 first team players out of contract in the summer. One of those is Oli McBurnie. Whatever decision is made, I don’t think we’ll see a bigger opinion split this summer.
It’s been a prominent debate on social media over these last few weeks: Do you renew the 27-year-old’s contract or not? In fact, it wasn’t that long ago that Oli McBurnie was being jeered by Blades supporters during his difficult run of games without a goal, before he broke that duck with a goal at Luton Town back in the 2022/23 season.
Since that point, everything has seemed to click in front of goal for McBurnie. He ended last season’s promotion-winning campaign as the Blades’ second top scorer with 13 goals and two assists to his name.
This time around, the Scottish international is currently United’s top scorer in the Premier League this season with five goals. He also has three assists under his belt.
It’s not just his goals that makes him an invaluable player to the the team, it’s the overall impact he makes. When McBurnie is on the pitch, there’s a clear difference to when he’s off it. With him up front the Blades have a target to aim for, and someone that can hold the ball up and link play.
He also provides United with support from defensive set-pieces when he zonally marks the near post. Against Bournemouth away, for the Cherries’ first goal, we saw how big of a miss he is when he isn’t on the near post to defend a corner.
Oli McBurnie was unplayable in Sheffield United’s draw against Fulham
With a matter of weeks before the end of the season, United’s number nine put in another magnificent performance in a 3-3 draw against Fulham.
McBurnie got on the scoresheet last Saturday as well as providing a sumptuous assist for his strike partner Ben Brereton-Diaz. He registered a further two key passes in the game against Fulham. And, he finished the game with the most duels out of anybody on the pitch with 23. Additionally, he won the most duels on the pitch with ten.
The issues with Sheffield United extending Oli McBurnie
There’s no getting away from it, when the striker is on the pitch he improves the Blades. The issue is actually getting him onto the pitch. In the last two season’s, McBurnie has missed out on 18 league matches (ten this term) either due to injury/fitness concerns or suspensions, per Transfermarkt.
And whilst there are fitness concerns over him, he will undoubtedly command a big wage if United are to renew his contract in the summer.
In recent weeks, there has been a rumour circulating around stating the Scotsman wants to sign for a Premier League club upon the expiration of his Sheffield United contract.
My view
If we could guarantee that Oli McBurnie can stay fit next season then I would definitely give him a contract extension.
It’s likely the Blades are in the Championship next season and we’ve already seen him do the business in that division. And given his individual performances this term, you’d expect him to be a force to be reckoned with yet again in the Championship.
Nick will give you my answer as to whether we should extend McBurnies contract. I have said,ever since he brought disgrace and embarrassment to the club I have supported all my 76 years that he will never make a footballer.
Wilder, not renowned for his recruitment acumen,made his worst mistake with this article – and that’s saying something.
The sooner he goes the better