Sheffield United are reportedly looking into a deal for Andre Dozzell, who is a free agent after leaving fellow Championship side Queens Park Rangers.
The 25-year-old midfielder joined QPR back in July 2021, where he made 98 appearances in all competitions, but Dozzell is now looking for a new home after leaving the London-based side following the expiry of his contract.
The Blades have been considering moves for other midfielders in preparation for the upcoming Championship season, but Dozzell may be a cheap alternative for the Blades.
How did Dozzell fare last season?
Dozzell spent the first half of the season with QPR, where they struggled, spending most of the season in the relegation zone.
The 25-year-old was a key player for QPR during his time there last season, starting 22 games and coming off the bench three times.
Dozzell scored two goals and assisted once for the R’s last season, but after a difficult campaign, the midfielder joined fellow relegation fighters Birmingham City on loan.
The former Ipswich man started his time at Birmingham strong, starting eight of his first nine matches and scoring the winner against Blackburn in a massive battle at the bottom of the table.
Despite his strong start to life at the Blues, the QPR man was soon dropped from the starting eleven, making only two appearances from the last 11 matches, with Birmingham dropping to League One, finishing 22nd in the Championship.
Overall, Dozzell made 37 appearances last season, scoring three goals and picking up an assist in all competitions.
A cheaper alternative for the Blades
Alan Nixon (paywall) has reported the Blades are interested in signing Andre Dozzell, who could come in as a cheaper alternative for Sheffield United compared to other options the Blades have looked at.
Nixon also reported that Sheffield United have been looking at moves for Swansea City’s Matt Grimes and Norwich City’s Kenny McLean.
Both options may be costly, and United may have to sell first before bringing in either of these midfielders.
United have had an exodus of outgoings so far, losing options in midfield, such as Ben Osborn and Oliver Norwood, so the Blades may have to bring in a couple of midfielders.
Due to being a free agent, United would not have to worry about paying a significant fee compared to other options like Matt Grimes, who is a crucial player for Swansea.
Smart acquisition
Chris Wilder has been given a challenge with the Blades and has admitted the majority of players will be free signings and loans. Speaking to the Sheffield Star last month, he said:
“We won’t be reckless in our approach, we’ll have a price set on certain players. I think the majority of players we bring in will be frees and loans, maybe some small fees in there if we can move and juggle and pull in some money from sales as well.”
The Blades have already made three free-agent signings, bringing in defenders Sam McCallum and Jamie Shackleton, along with attacking midfielder Callum O’Hare. The only money Chris Wilder’s men have spent has been on is former Bournemouth striker Kieffer Moore.
While Dozzell may not be seen as the flashiest and most exciting player available, he could be the one the Blades need if they cannot sign their first choices.
Dozzell has years of Championship experience in him, playing 126 games in the league.
The 25-year-old may not be a starter for Sheffield United given the quality in the position, with the likes of Tom Davies and Gustavo Hamer, but having depth in midfield could be critical in parts of the season where games come often, and players may not be available.
If United are unsuccessful in moves for Grimes and McLean, Dozzell could be more than reliable enough for the upcoming season for Chris Wilder, and if he does sign, he would come in as a little to no-risk signing.