The Championship is facing up to be highly competitive league this season and club’s recruitment processes are key. Sheffield United need to bring in some Championship experience into their side and free agent Will Buckley could be the man they need.
The former Brighton winger is currently a free agent and would be a perfect fit for Sheffield United. United have placed winger Matt Done on the transfer list and will want to bring another winger to Bramall Lane. With Buckley available, he could a be cost effective signing for the Blades. Furthermore, the winger could bring a wealth of Championship experience with him.
Buckley’s Career
Buckley has appeared 149 times in the Championship during his career for Watford, Brighton, Leeds and Birmingham. The 27 year-old initially made his name at Rochdale in League Two. He made 59 appearances during his time at Spotland scoring 13 goals over three seasons.
His impressive form for the League Two side eventually earned him a move to then Championship Watford for around £300,000. Buckley played 39 times for the Hornets over two seasons and scored five goals. The winger managed to win the young player of the season award at Vicarage Road, despite an injury midway through the season.
Brighton then decided to move for the winger and brought him to the South coast for a the club record fee of £1 million. He spent some of the best years of his career at Brighton. During his time at the club, Buckley scored 19 goals in 96 league games.
Inevitably, Buckley moved to the Premier League and signed for Sunderland in 2014 for £2.5 million. The winger failed to score in the league for Sunderland and struggled to adjust to life in the Premier League. This was unexpected after he made a blistering start for the side providing key assists for the side. Buckley only made 22 appearances under Gus Poyet at the Stadium of Light.
After injury problems caused Buckley’s Premier League career to suffer, he has been back on loan to the Championship playing for Leeds and Birmingham.
Should the Blades move to sign him?
Sheffield United have invested in three new signings since their promotion from League One. Former Blades striker Ched Evans has returned to Bramall Lane for £500,000. Chris Wilder has also opted to bring in right-back George Baldock from MK Dons and young winger Nathan Thomas from Hartlepool.
Buckley would be an ideal signing for Sheffield United as an experienced Championship footballer. Whilst United’s signing’s so far offer youth and promise bar Evans, they severely lack in experience. Buckley is only 27 years old and has spent the majority of his career in the Championship. Although his wages would be costly, he could be a key player if he was brought to South Yorkshire. The fact that United wouldn’t have to pay a fee for him should compensate for his potentially expensive wages.
Buckley would be an ideal signing for the Blades. He offers experience, he’s still relatively young and is a free agent. Whether he would be prepared to move to South Yorkshire depends entirely on which other clubs are interested in signing him and if United will register interest.
