John Lundstram rejects new contract offered by Sheffield United
By Varun Aithal
Though it is the early stages of the English Premier League, Sheffield United and Chris Wilder have lots of things to worry about.
The Blades are unable to pick up points in the ongoing campaign and find themselves in the relegation zone after six gameweeks. They have just one point and it came against fellow relegation-threatened Fulham.
And now, according to recent reports published, John Lundstram has rejected a new contract offer and is all set to leave Bramall Lane in the upcoming transfer window. The news comes as a bit of a shock to Chris Wilder, who had a silent summer transfer window.
The Blades did signed players, however, they lack midfield options if John Lundstram departs. The former Liverpool midfielder is a key player in the Blades’ setup and will be a colossal blow to the team if he leaves.
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Reports further state, talks between the player and the club broke down as they failed to find the breakthrough. The 26-year-old Englishman played hardball over a new contract as Sheffield offered him several improvised proposals to get the midfielder to sign. Lundstram has put his future in doubt after rejecting the new deal.
He joined United from Oxford in the summer transfer window of 2017 in a deal worth €560, 000. Since his move to Bramall Lane, he has proved to be a vital cog in the Blades’ midfield.
He not only guided his team to promotion but also helped his side to stay in the top flight. Sheffield finished in the top half of the table in the Premier League last season owing to Lundstram’s spirited performances.
In 34 appearances for Sheffield United in the top-flight, John Lundstram scored five times apart from adding three assists to his name. Also, the midfielder managed 966 passes out of 1202 attempted with a success percentage of 80.4%.
Talking to the media, Sheffield United’s gaffer Chris Wilder opined that the player will not accept a new contract despite the club trying its best:
"We have offered him a very good contract that is up there with the top players at the club and he has made the decision with his agent that he doesn’t want to sign, and I respect that."
"I believe if he does play he'll do his best, I wouldn't pick him otherwise.
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) October 29, 2020
Cards on the table I think John should have signed it but he doesn't believe or his agent doesn't believe he should sign it and that's where it's at ."
The Gaffer on John Lundstram. 👇 pic.twitter.com/DyTpOu5K1h
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Burnley, Crystal Palace, and Rangers are the sides that will look to lure him away from Bramall Lane. Premier League clubs have to wait till the end of the season if they are to sign the player on free, whereas foreign clubs can agree to a pre-contract in the winter transfer window.
United should look to cash in on the player in January 2021, who is not willing to extend his stay with them.