New Sheffield United boss Ruben Selles is aiming to make centre-back Tyler Bindon, who played under the Spaniard at Reading, his first signing at Bramall Lane, as per The Guardian’s Will Unwin.
An Excellent Start To His Career
Bindon spent a considerable amount of time in the youth academy at Los Angeles FC but he moved to Reading in the summer of 2023 and instantly broke into their first team.
The New Zealand international defender made his debut in the Carabao Cup against Millwall and went on to establish himself as a regular starter at the heart of the Royals’ defence.
He made league 40 appearances in the 2023/24 season, scoring two goals and finishing as the runner-up in the Fans’ Player of the Season award.
The 2024/25 season saw Bindon develop further. He was one of the standout centre-backs in the third tier despite being just 20 years of age which earned him a move to Nottingham Forest in the winter transfer window, though he was instantly loaned back to the Royals.
The defender appeared in all but two of Reading’s league games this season as they narrowly missed out on a playoff spot. His improvement last season was recognised as he won the club’s Player of the Season award and he was nominated for the League One Young Player of the Season award.
Sheffield United’s Centre-Back Options
Last season, the Blades were excellent defensively and had one of the best seasons in Championship history in terms of goals conceded.
However, Harry Souttar, who was a regular starter before his injury in December, Rob Holding and Alfie Gilchrist have all returned to their parent clubs upon the expiration of their loan deals.
This leaves them with just Anel Ahmedhodzic, Jack Robinson and Rhys Norrington-Davies, who has massively struggled with injuries over the past three seasons, as potential options in the centre of defence.
Writer’s View
This would be a good signing for Sheffield United.
Bindon is a player who is clearly loved by Selles, the Spaniard gave him his senior debut and trusted him when he was just 18 years of age. He is also familiar with Selles’ system, something which could be particularly useful in his first few weeks at Bramall Lane.
The New Zealander also needs a loan move this season as, even with Forest’s potentially packed fixture schedule if they qualify for the Europa Conference League, he is unlikely to get much game time at the City ground.
Although they were never likely to get him back this year given how good his performances have been, any potential move would also be a blow for Reading, who have lost both of their star young centre-backs heading into the new season.
