Sheffield United: State of play with young stars' futures after approach made for pair

Sheffield United will wait to see how their own transfer business pans out this summer before making a decision on which of their talented youngsters will be placed on loan next season.
Danny Hall
By Danny Hall
Published 14th Jun 2022, 11:08 BST
Updated 14th Jun 2022, 11:08 BST
Zak Brunt, Kyron Gordon and Kacper Lopata all had loan spells away from Sheffield United last season: Simon Bellis / SportimageZak Brunt, Kyron Gordon and Kacper Lopata all had loan spells away from Sheffield United last season: Simon Bellis / Sportimage
Zak Brunt, Kyron Gordon and Kacper Lopata all had loan spells away from Sheffield United last season: Simon Bellis / Sportimage

The Blades have used the loan market to good effect in recent years, preferring to expose their best young players to the rigours of ‘real’ football rather than the more comfortable environment of their U23 side.

Two such players who were placed elsewhere last season were Zak Brunt and Kacper Lopata. The pair initially joined Southend United on youth loans, before Brunt was recalled in January and sent to Notts County for the remainder of the campaign.

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Southend instead signed Harrison Neal from United as Brunt’s replacement and Kevin Maher, the Shrimpers boss, has registered his interest with United over signing him and Lopata on loan again, telling local media in Essex that he “understands” the situation.

But no firm decisions will be taken while United’s own squad make-up is still up in the air, while Paul Heckingbottom and his coaching staff may look to secure a Football League club for the likes of Brunt and Lopata if they are allowed to leave on loan this summer.

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Harry Boyes, Femi Seriki and Frankie Maguire also spent time on loan elsewhere last season, with Boyes helping Solihull Moors to within 90 minutes of the Football League before they lost in the promotion final to Grimsby Town.

The left-sided defender also saw his contract extended at Bramall Lane by a further year.

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Related topics:Zak BruntBladesHarrison NealPaul Heckingbottom

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