Sheffield United have officially confirmed the signing of highly-rated 20-year-old Alex Matos from Chelsea.
The Blades have paid an undisclosed fee for the central midfielder who has penned a three-year deal with the club.
Alex Matos Speaks As A Blade
Speaking to SUTV for the first time, Matos said: “When I heard of the interest it was a no-brainer move for me. I feel this is the right time for me to move on and play regular football and this is the right club for me. I spoke to Alfie [Gilchrist] and he told me that it’s a good club, with good people, and I would enjoy it.
“The loans developed me quite a lot; it is a good league, as has growing up at Chelsea, but I’m very happy to be here now. Getting players in recently shows how big a club this is, and it looks like a strong team. Exciting times ahead.”
During the second half of last season, Matos featured on loan at Oxford United in the Championship, making 20 league appearances (10 as a starter) . The Blades will hope his relative lack of sustained experience at this level won’t be a hurdle.
What Can Alex Matos Offer to Sheffield United?
Often likened to former Chelsea star N’Golo Kante for his box-to-box ability, Matos can occupy the deeper “six” role or push forward. He thrives in defensive actions, and he can progress the ball up the pitch by carrying the ball, similar to Kante.
When looking at his stats from last season, it’s easy to see why the 20-year-old is rated highly in the Chelsea academy. Matos ranked in the 99th percentile compared to Championship midfielders last term for tackles, tackles in the middle and final third, blocks. Plus, he ranked in the 98th percentile for interceptions.
The Chelsea academy product will provide the Blades with great energy in the middle of the park and will help set the tempo in pressing situations.
Gustavo Hamer Latest
In other news, the rumours are continuing to circulate regarding the future of United’s star player Gustavo Hamer with Sheffield United stuck in a potential domino effect.
Brentford are chasing PSV Eindhoven’s Joey Veerman, but the Bees are said to be wide of the mark of PSV’s valuation of him. However, with the departure of forward Yoane Wissa to Newcastle looking likely, Brentford now have additional funds to play with on deadline day, which could see them splash the cash on Veerman.
PSV would then be in a position to spend big on a replacement, with Hamer said to be their number one choice to replace Veerman.
