Lewis O’Brien is set to move to Los Angeles FC from Nottingham Forest despite Championship interest from the likes of Sheffield United.
The Blades returned to the Championship following a poor Premier League season as they scored just 16 points and conceded a record-breaking 104 goals all season. As a result, changes were almost guaranteed. We have already seen many incomings and outgoings already this season to bolster Chris Wilder’s options.
Cameron Archer, Jaden Bogle and Bénie Traoré have all departed, generating signficant income for the Yorkshire side. This is significant as selling players is key to helping Financial Fair Play issues and reinvesting in new players.
They would sign Kieffer Moore from Bournemouth after his impressive tenure at Ipswich Town in the latter stages of the 2023/24 season. The attacker would score seven goals with one assist to help the Tractor Boys gain promotion. He will look to continue this form but will need creative players behind him to facilitate his play style.
Another important signing is Callum O’Hare. They stole the attacking midfielder from championship rivals Coventry City following the expiration of his contract. After O’Hare’s brilliant seasons for the Sky Blues, he could play a pivotal part in their upcoming season.
Despite bringing O’Hare into the midfield, Ben Osborn and Oliver Norwood would both leave in the summer on free transfers. Therefore, a new replacement would need to be found to improve options.
In addition, Vinicius Souza has also been linked with a move away from Bramall Lane, which means the club will be even more desperate for a new signing.
As a result of the need for replacements, Lewis O’Brien has been linked with Sheffield United. Along with Wilder’s side, O’Brien had also been linked to Burnley and Los Angeles FC.
This half-volley STAYED hit! 😲
Lewis O'Brien with a perfect example of how to 'put your laces through it' 💥 pic.twitter.com/rRZSgOxmLr
— Soccer AM (@SoccerAM) February 16, 2020
However, journalist Alan Nixon has recently reported that parent club Nottingham Forest has cleared O’Brien to join the MLS side on loan with an option to buy at £5 million. The midfield dynamo is not in the plans again next season at the City Ground and will look to reignite his career in America.
The 25-year-old had a successful spell under Wayne Rooney at DC United and will try his luck again with high-flying LAFC. Despite Sheffield United and Burnley showing interest, the chance to live in the States looks to have won the chase.
Writer’s View
In conclusion, this hurts the former Premier League side even more as they look to evolve the squad that failed to be competitive in the top division. Therefore, missing out on a proven talent in the Championship will be impactful.
However, they can now put their focus elsewhere and find a new target. They are also interested in Alfie Gilchrist from Chelsea and as a result of falling short in their bid for O’Brien, they can focus their efforts elsewhere instead.
