Championship side Sheffield United have dealt a blow to Derby County’s promotion hopes as they recall striker Will Osula, according to journalist Alan Nixon on his Patreon.
The 19-year-old joined the club in the summer but has since been recalled with the intention for the Blades to assess him in training sessions for the next few weeks.
Derby County are currently 4th in the League One table, 11 points behind the automatic promotion places and three points ahead of 7th placed side Wycombe Wanderers.
We’re pleased to announce the loan signing of William Osula from Sheffield United! ✍️
— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) September 1, 2022
Wish @WilliamOsula a warm welcome, #dcfcfans! 👋#DCFC
Since joining the Rams in the summer, Osula has made 16 appearances for the club, many of which were made as a substitute.
Therefore, as a result of his limited game time on the pitch, Sheffield United could feel that he has not developed enough for the League One side and therefore is not gaining the experience they expect him to receive from a loan spell.
It may be a lack of playing time that has brought the decision on to recall the player having scored only twice in those appearances, or it could be the Blades intend to use the player now.
Osula is highly rated at Brammall Lane but has found it difficult to become part of Paul Heckingbottom’s plans with the options he currently has at his disposal. A loan was arranged with Derby County with many clubs seeking his signature including Burton Albion and Lincoln City.
A second loan spell could be arranged as also revealed by Alan Nixon, which could mean these clubs are monitoring the situation in an attempt to capture his temporary signature a second time, however should Osula play for Sheffield United, he would be unable to move on loan again as the rules state a player cannot feature for three teams in a season.
It would not be a surprise to see Osula make another temporary switch, but time will tell as they assess the player over the next few weeks before coming to their decision on the striker.
Our View
Osula has been tipped to have a strong career at a top level and his loan to Derby was a great way to gain some good experience. However a change in manager also hasn’t helped his situation with the club.
Recalling him is possibly his best option and would allow the Blades to consider what’s best for his footballing career moving forward, whether that’s another loan or matches in the U21s.
Derby fans, Will this departure be a blow to your promotion hopes?
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