In the forthcoming January transfer window, Sheffield United is considering making a surprise approach for Ashley Barnes, a striker for Norwich City.
Alan Nixon claims that the Blades are prepared to make a quick move to sign the 35-year-old striker, whose contract at Carrow Road expires at the end of the current campaign.
Chris Wilder’s team has risen to the top of the Championship table thanks to a 10-game winning streak, but United wants to continue being proactive in January to increase their chances of an immediate return to the Premier League, particularly given a takeover on the table that is almost finished.
Nixon stated that in order to increase their offensive options for the second half of the season, the Blades may also want to sign veteran target man Barnes. They are also interested in a deal to bring Chile international Ben Brereton Diaz back to Bramall Lane.
Ashley Barnes, a striker for Norwich City, is a target for Sheffield United.
Barnes might be a surprise target for the high-flying Blades given his age, but few players can match the former Brighton and Burnley striker’s level of Championship success.
During his tenure at the Clarets, Barnes was promoted from the second division at least three times. He also played for Vincent Kompany’s all-conquering team, which finished with 100 points in 2022–2023.
Prior to moving to Norwich for the 2023–24 season, Barnes scored 54 goals in 293 games for Burnley.
The seasoned striker scored six goals and provided five assists for the Canaries during David Wagner’s team’s valiant march to the playoffs, until Leeds crushed them in the second leg of their semi-final match at Elland Road.
A calf injury that ultimately required surgery has severely hampered Barnes’ current season; he says the injury made him think about his future in the game.
In Norwich’s 0-0 draw with Portsmouth last Tuesday, the striker, who hadn’t played a minute of football this season until November 26, bounced back to start for the first time since the play-off loss to Leeds.
Ashley Barnes might need to join Sheffield United in the upcoming month.
Barnes might be a very valuable addition to Wilder’s team if they can keep easing him back into action.
He may provide the Blades, who are the third-youngest team in the second division this season, with significant nous and experience on the front line as well as vital knowledge of what it takes to advance to the Championship level.
Nixon thinks the Canaries may be willing to consider a trade for Barnes, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the current campaign, and may be willing to let go of his sizeable income.
Barnes might not be the usual target for a team looking to return to the Premier League these days, but if United can close a deal, he could be a very wise acquisition for Wilder and his team.
