In one of the most surprising transfer rumours of the month, Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has been linked with a shock move to Sheffield United, who achieved promotion to the Premier League at the end of the 2018-19 season.
Ribery’s contract with Bayern ends at the end of this month, and he is set to leave the club after playing his 12-year spell with the Bavarian giants.
According to German outlet Kicker, cited by Marca, the French winger has offers from clubs in Australia and Qatar, but the Blades are also keen on bringing the experienced player to England.
They further claim that the Frenchman wants to play for a big European team, which could possibly not be good news for Sheffield United.
Ribery is regarded as one of the best wingers of his generation, having won several trophies with Bayern. The 36-year-old won 9 league titles with Bayern Munich as well as one Champions League title, and ended his Bayern career with 24 titles!
In the last season of his Bayern Munich career, Ribery became a bit part player for the German side, and started just 20 times for the side, while coming off the bench on 18 occasions. He scored 7 times for the club in the 2018-19 season.
Ribery was also a key part of the French national team, playing 81 games and scoring 16 goals for the team.
Is this a wise move by Sheffield United?
Sheffield United are back in the Premier League after a gap of 12 years, and this time around, the money they will receive from staying in the Premier League is significantly higher. That changes things as they can get their hands on world-class talents.
The Blades haven’t invested much in signing new players over the last few years, mostly because of a dispute between the two owners of the club.
Signing a player like Ribery could be a huge gamble, however, as the Frenchman will have significantly higher wages than the current squad, which could possibly disrupt the dressing room.
It is also uncertain if Ribery can adapt to the rigours of the Premier League at 36 years of age.
At his age, Ribery will be an expensive short-term solution and maybe not have an influence on the team that the owners want.
Instead, the Blades should invest in those players who are at their peak, and have what it takes to stave off relegation next season.
