Sheffield United have beaten Hull City to the signing of Kieffer Moore, with the Blades announcing on club media that the striker had joined on a three-year deal.
There has been plenty of speculation surrounding Moore’s future but that has now become clear, with the striker sealing a big move as well as a rather long contract with Sheffield United.
Having spent the second half of last season on loan with Ipswich Town, it seemed as if the Welshman was somewhat out of favour at Bournemouth. The target man would be limited to just eight Premier League appearances under Andoni Iraola during the first half of the season and saw a rather dramatic fall off in the number of minutes he was getting.
However, the move to the Tractor Boys worked out exceptionally well for both the club, as well as the player. Moore would bag seven times in 18 Championship matches and would end up playing a significant role in Kieran McKenna’s side. Those contributions would help the East Anglian side to promotion to the top flight, yet the 31-year-old will not be returning to Portman Road next season.
That is unless Sheffield United, who were relegated from the top flight, play Ipswich in a cup competition. Despite choosing to play in the Championship, it seems as if it could be a great move for Moore, who is more than proven at the level. He’s also secured a long-term contract with the club which would’ve no doubt impacted his choice.
The Blades have fended off Championship competition for his signature, edging out Hull City despite Hull Live reporting that the Tigers were closing in on a deal for the Welsh international.
They’ll now have to look elsewhere for an addition in that area but time is very much on their side. Although it could be deemed somewhat of a blow that Hull have missed out on what some may consider a key target, there are still plenty of other names on the market.
Moore should however visit the MKM Stadium next season with the two sides now being considered direct promotion rivals in the second tier. The hierarchy will be hoping that he doesn’t make them pay for missing out…
Writer’s View
With proven Championship experience, as well as also being able to put in a shift in England’s top division, the signing of Moore looks a great one by the Blades. He could indeed be the difference-maker to help them achieve promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking and does have a recent Championship promotion on his cv.
For Hull however, its not exactly the end of the world that they’ve missed out, despite him being a potential decent fit at the club. Dropping down from a Premier League side, Moore was no doubt on a rather sizeable wage and is valued at around the £1.7 million mark by Transfermarkt. Turning 32 this August, a long-term contract may have not been the smartest move.
Expect Hull to continue their hunt for a striker this window, and one could well come through the doors prior to the first day of the season.
