Sheffield United: Boss rates Blades' chances of signing Reda Khadra permanently

Paul Heckingbottom’s hopes of signing Reda Khadra on a permanent basis next summer depend upon “certain conditions” being met, the Sheffield United manager has revealed.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now
Read More
Sheffield United: Daniel Jebbison on the Jimmy Floyd effect and why he's now a t...

Khadra became the fourth new face to arrive at Bramall Lane ahead of Monday’s Championship opener against Watford when his loan move from Brighton and Hove Albion was finally processed earlier this week.

Speaking after being officially presented to the media, the German admitted he does not expect to return to his parent club if United secure promotion; either automatically or via the play-offs.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Heckingbottom appeared to suggest the situation is a little more complex, which explains why it took nearly a fortnight for the two parties to reach agreement despite Khadra’s desire to pursue a career in South Yorkshire.

“There is a chance this could become permanent, based on certain conditions. If those are met, then we have a chance which is better than no chance isn’t it.”

Insisting Khadra will “bring something a little bit different to the table” with his pace and dribbling skills, Heckingbottom has now turned his attention towards capturing a new right wing back to prove cover for George Baldock in Jayden Bogle’s absence. United were committed to acquiring Khadra on loan, despite the fact he has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Brighton.

Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom (right): Simon Bellis / SportimageSheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom (right): Simon Bellis / Sportimage
Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom (right): Simon Bellis / Sportimage

After spending £3m on former Malmo centre-half Anel Ahmedhodzic, Heckingbottom’s assertion that any more business he is able to complete between now and the end of the transfer window will be either “frees or loans” confirms the strict financial constraints he has been operating under since being appointed in November. With United undertaking work to improve the pitches at their training complex, the 44-year-old conceded he also had to keep one eye on what is best for “our long term health” as well as the here and now.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Reda, we wanted to work with him and get him in,” Heckingbottom said. “He provides something a little bit different. He likes ‘one v ones’ and has got pace. The fans have got excited too, on the back of what they’ve seen from him.”

“He enjoys getting the ball in those ‘one v one’ moments and he can carry the ball with real pace,” Heckingbottom continued. “We also feel we can carry him forward in terms of goals and assists, with minutes on the pitch.”

Anel Ahmedhodzic with Sheffield United CEO Steve BettisAnel Ahmedhodzic with Sheffield United CEO Steve Bettis
Anel Ahmedhodzic with Sheffield United CEO Steve Bettis

Aged 21, Khadra excelled during a placement with Blackburn Rovers last season, scoring against United during their 3-1 defeat at Ewood Park in November.

As well as scouring the market for defensive reinforcements, Heckingbottom remains conscious of the fact that some of his leading names could still be lured away before September’s deadline. Sander Berge and Max Lowe have both been the subject of intense speculation in recent months.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We’ll see other players,” said Heckingbottom. “Because there’s such a long time between now and the window shutting, we’ll always be looking.

Sander Berge with his new Sheffield United team mate Reda Khadra: Simon Bellis / SportimageSander Berge with his new Sheffield United team mate Reda Khadra: Simon Bellis / Sportimage
Sander Berge with his new Sheffield United team mate Reda Khadra: Simon Bellis / Sportimage

“But looking at the squad, we have got at least two very good players competing for every position barring George at right wing-back.

“That won’t always be the case, because injuries and suspensions come along. The balance of the squad is good but it doesn’t mean we’ll stop looking.”