What Oli McBurnie said about Sheffield United contract situation amid Rangers links

In-form striker’s contract is set to expire next summer
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Oli McBurnie has admitted he would “love to” extend his contract at Sheffield United beyond the end of the current season, after admitting he feels at home at Bramall Lane.

The former Swansea City man is showing the form this season that persuaded United to make him their record £20m signing after being promoted to the Premier League, scoring nine goals in his last 15 appearances after ending a long run without scoring earlier in the campaign.

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The initial contract McBurnie signed at Bramall Lane in the summer of 2019 is set to expire next summer, with Rangers – a club the Scottish international has made no secret of his love for – amongst those to have been credited with potential interest if the 26-year-old does move on.

“It really does [feel like home],” McBurnie, who underwent surgery on his hernia issue on Monday, told The Star. “I had the conversation with my missus the other day, I'm really enjoying it. The fans are great with me, I love the boys and I love the coaching staff. I do really feel settled and I think that's one thing for me; when I am settled you do see the best side of me. it was the same when I was at Swansea, I felt settled and I felt like everything was a part of me.

“I felt like I was at home and then when I don't have to worry about any of that, I can show what I'm about as a footballer. And I feel like now, this year in particular, that this is home for me and I do feel real comfortable here. And that does bring the best out of me in terms of football.”

Oli McBurnie says he feels at home at Sheffield United as he discussed the prospect of him extending his stay at Bramall Lane beyond the summer: Darren Staples / SportimageOli McBurnie says he feels at home at Sheffield United as he discussed the prospect of him extending his stay at Bramall Lane beyond the summer: Darren Staples / Sportimage
Oli McBurnie says he feels at home at Sheffield United as he discussed the prospect of him extending his stay at Bramall Lane beyond the summer: Darren Staples / Sportimage

Paul Heckingbottom, the United boss, confirmed recently that McBurnie’s name features on a list of contract recommendations presented to the Blades hierarchy and when asked if he would be interested in extending his stay at Bramall Lane, McBurnie admitted: “I'd love to. It's such a big club, I'm really enjoying playing football here and hopefully if we can get to where we want to be this year, then why not?”

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Although not officially confirmed, that last comment may be interpreted by some as an admission that McBurnie’s Bramall Lane future is dependent on the division they are playing in next season. Heckingbottom’s side went into the World Cup break second in the table after victory at Cardiff City last time out, but have as many as 16 players whose contracts or loan spells are scheduled to expire next summer.

Although United are expected to hold options in their favour in some of those expiring deals, the situation places huge strain on the club’s negotiating team as they seek to prevent a mass exodus from Bramall Lane in the summer. Players who are in the final six months of their deal can negotiate pre-contract agreements with clubs abroad – including, in United’s case, Scotland.

Oli McBurnie is loving life at Sheffield United: Lexy Ilsley / SportimageOli McBurnie is loving life at Sheffield United: Lexy Ilsley / Sportimage
Oli McBurnie is loving life at Sheffield United: Lexy Ilsley / Sportimage

Beyond the summer, some of United’s key – and most saleable – men are also dangerously approaching the end of their deals. Sander Berge, Iliman Ndiaye, George Baldock and John Egan are amongst the players scheduled to become free agents in the summer of 2024.

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