Sheffield United manager sends 'emotional signings' message as defender’s future up in question

John Egan’s future at Sheffield United remains uncertain following his prolonged injury spell, with the club emphasising they won’t engage in any “emotional signings.”

The 31-year-old defender has been sidelined since September due to an Achilles injury, raising questions about his contract renewal. While there is hope for his return before the season’s end, manager Chris Wilder acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the timeline.

United’s gaffer admitted to SUTV: “If John’s available and if we need him towards the end of the season he’s certainly someone we can rely on and we’d be stronger with his experience, his know-how and his ability.”

Wilder expressed confidence in Egan’s potential contribution if he manages to regain fitness, highlighting his experience and skill. However, with Egan’s contract set to expire at the campaign’s conclusion, his prolonged absence due to injury has cast doubt on his retention, echoing a similar situation with Chris Basham.

“That isn’t being negative to the likes of Basham and John Egan who’ve been outstanding and for me, I’d love them to still be part of things moving forward. But we have to make sure that John gets back to full fitness and that is not just an emotional signing, because of what he’s done in the past. Everyone knows all these lads have got to contribute, whether it’s next year in the Prem or next year outside of the Prem.”

Since making his move to the Blades back in the summer of 2018, the Irishman has cemented himself as a modern day Sheffield United legend, amassing 224 appearances for the club and gaining two automatic promotions to the Premier League in that time.

However, at 31 years of age and coming off the back of a bad injury, it is no given that the centre-back will return back to his old form, something that even before the injury he didn’t reach this season.