Former Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp has been linked with a move to Doncaster Rovers following his release from Hull City, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
The 38-year-old departed Bramall Lane for the third time in 2023 having scored 129 goals in 377 appearances. The veteran is well regarded by the Blades faithful, having achieved promotion three times with the Yorkshire outfit.
Upon his release, he opted to try his luck in America, joining MLS side LA Galaxy on a short-term deal. Despite hitting the back of the net six times in 12 outings, he left the club in November. This opened up an opportunity to make a shock move to Hull, although he largely played a bit-part role before leaving the MKM Stadium at the end of the campaign.
Now a free agent, his availability has alerted a number of clubs who are on the lookout for a proven prolific goalscorer. This has brought one of his former teams to the table, with Doncaster said to be keen on a reunion.
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Sharp has already enjoyed two spells at the Eco-Power Stadium, initially joining on loan in 2009 before completing a permanent transfer a year later. He then returned on a temporary basis in 2014 from Southampton, shortly before he joined Leeds United.
With 45 goals in 102 appearances for Rovers, manager Grant McCann is looking to tempt the veteran to drop down to League Two for the upcoming campaign. The 44-year-old is hoping he can improve on last season’s fifth-placed finish, where they were denied a shot at promotion by Crewe Alexandra in the play-off semi-final.
Doncaster enjoyed a stunning second half of the season, losing just one of their last 18 fixtures to rise from the brink of relegation into promotion contention.
Writer’s View
This could be the fairytale ending that Billy Sharp is looking for from his long, illustrious career. Having become a hero amongst Doncaster supporters, he could sign off by helping them return to League One.
With five promotions already on his CV, the striker knows what it takes to get over the line. However, he has only had a brief spell in League Two (with Rushden & Diamonds) at the beginning of his football journey. It is a tough, physical league that can be unforgiving, but he is a player who knows where the back of the net is and is capable of reproducing that form at this level.
