Sheffield United are nearing an agreement to sign free agent left-back Sam McCallum following his release from Norwich City.
According to an update from Alan Nixon via Patreon, Chris Wilder’s side has been interested in McCallum since late June, competing with Stoke City for his signature.
The 23-year-old has been a target for the Blades since his departure from the Canaries was announced last month.
Manager Chris Wilder aims to make astute signings in the transfer market this summer, as he remains limited in spending on transfer fees until the club’s proposed takeover is finalized.
Wilder has already secured Jamie Shackleton on a free transfer from Leeds United and is now poised to make another addition from the free agent market.
Sam McCallum set for Sheffield United move
Journalist Alan Nixon, reporting via his Patreon, revealed that United is progressing in their efforts to sign the former Norwich City player.
Nixon noted that the ex-QPR and Coventry City full-back has met with the Blades over the past week. The two parties have finalized the details of the deal, and a medical exam has been scheduled.
The McCallum transfer wasn’t uncontested, as Stoke City, another Championship team, also showed strong interest in the young defender. However, it seems United has outpaced Stoke City, who have opted to sign Eric Bocat instead.
Beginning his professional career at Coventry City, McCallum emerged as one of the EFL’s brightest young talents during the 2019/20 season, making 35 appearances across all competitions and helping the Sky Blues secure promotion to the Championship.
In January 2020, he moved to Norwich City, with the then Premier League side reportedly paying £3.5 million for the promising young left-back.
Following his transfer, McCallum returned to Coventry on loan, and later spent time on loan at QPR. These stints eventually led Norwich to give him his first significant opportunity in their first team in 2022.
Despite these opportunities, McCallum struggled to secure a regular starting position, making 23 and 29 Championship appearances over the past two seasons.
Ultimately, McCallum’s efforts weren’t enough to extend his stay at the club, leading him to enter the free agent market this summer.
For clubs willing to navigate its often murky and crowded waters, the free agent market can be a treasure trove for those seeking a bargain.
Sheffield United, in particular, must scour this market for a valuable renovation project, and in McCallum, they may have found a hidden gem.
With an average match rating of 7.1/10 in the Championship last season, according to FotMob, McCallum is not a free agent lacking proven pedigree at the level he will be playing.
McCallum has demonstrated his ability to perform well at the second-tier level, and with further refinement on the training ground, he could develop into one of the finest full-backs in the division.
His experience could also prove crucial, as he might secure an immediate starting role at Bramall Lane next season.
Welshman Rhys Norrington-Davies was limited to just seven appearances in all competitions last season due to injury and currently stands as Wilder’s only natural left-sided full-back.
The aforementioned Shackleton can fill in as a makeshift left-back but is primarily a right-back, which is where he is expected to play for the Blades going forward.
Therefore, signing a promising yet experienced player like McCallum for nothing appears to be a highly shrewd piece of business for Sheffield United. This move could leave many other Championship sides questioning why they didn’t pursue a deal for him this summer.
Leave a Reply