Championship trio Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday and Stoke City are all chasing Norwegian teenager Daniel Braut, according to the Football Insider.
Braut had an exceptional UEFA Under-19 European Championship, finishing as top-scorer with three goals, despite Norway being knocked out in the group stage. The 19-year-old is a midfielder, however he can play up front. The Norwegian is currently applying his trade in the second tier of Norway, his domestic league. Playing for Sandnes Ulf, Braut provided four goals and two assists in all competitions in 17 total appearances this season, despite his side sitting bottom of the league.
His impressive performances on the international stage have earned him interest from United, Wednesday and Stoke, as well as interest from the Serie A and Bundesliga.
Sheffield United are back in the Championship after one season in the Premier League and have so far strengthened well as they look to bounce back under Chris Wilder. The likes of Harry Souttar, Alfie Gilchrist and Jesrun Rak-Sayki have all joined the club on loan, with Kieffer Moore, Callum O’Hare, Harrison Burrows, Tyrese Campbell and Michael Cooper among others have all joined the club permanently. The Blades now look to get in some more young talent, with Braut reportedly being on their radar. With Wilder back in the hot seat at Bramall Lane, mixed with their recruitment so far, you’d expect the Blades to be fighting at the top of the table next season, rather than the bottom.
Despite being city rivals, the blue side of Sheffield have also recruited well this window. The Owls have used the international market well, with Yan Valery, Svante Ingelsson, Olaf Kobacki and Ike Ugbo all joining or re-joining from European clubs. The likes of Charlie McNeil and James Beadle have also moved to Hillsborough, proving that Wednesday are investing in youth talents. Under young, exciting manager Danny Rohl, who has been backed financially this window, this season could be very exciting from the Owls’ perspective.
Stoke City, on the other hand, haven’t been so busy on the transfer market, despite losing the likes of Campbell, who has as previously mentioned made the switch to the red side of Sheffield. Experienced players such as Viktor Johansson and Ben Gibson have both come through the door at the Bet 365 but with the latest signings of Lewis Koumas and Bosun Lawal, the Potters seem to be turning their head to youth talent. Although Stoke had a slow start under Steven Schumacher, this season may prove to be the opposite, winning on opening day against a very strong Coventry City side.
Alongside the Serie A and Bundesliga interest, it’s fair to say Braut isn’t short of options this summer. A move to either England, Italy or Germany will no doubt be a step up in his career, and one he already looks ready for judging by his performances on the highest stage of under-19 football.
Writer’s View
Braut has an extremely difficult decision to make about his future. As seen in recent years, multiple Championship talents have had opportunities to prove themselves on the biggest stage of domestic football in the Premier League. A move to the Championship could open up this possibility for the young talent. Judging by his recent performances both for his county and club, Braut seems like a very good pick-up for all three of these clubs. He may not prove to be a superstar right away, but rather a long-term investment into the club’s future.
With Sheffield United pushing for promotion, will the teenager prioritise his own development, or will he join an ambitious side looking to achieve another promotion, but possibly at the cost of his own game time. Joining Sheffield Wednesday or Stoke, two sides who are arguably quite a way off the Premier League may allow him a chance to develop and possibly get consistent game time under his belt. Alternatively, Braunt could opt to stay in his home country and help his side fight relegation. With guaranteed game time, staying in Norway will ultimately also help aid his development as a player.
Be the first to comment