Newly promoted English side Sheffield United have reportedly tabled a contract offer to recently released Manchester United superstar Antonio Valencia.
According to a report by Daily Mail, Antonio Valencia could be set to remain in the Premier League beyond the summer transfer window. The former Manchester United captain, who is set to officially depart from Old Trafford at the end of June, is being courted by newly promoted club Sheffield United.
Antonio Valencia has been a true asset for Manchester United during his ten-year journey with the club, having reinvented his game time and again to suit the requirements of the team. The player had initially started out as a winger, and a fearsome one who used his pace to good effect from the right flank.
But, upon the arrival of Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford, the Ecuadorian saw himself being deployed as a right-back. And, he took to the challenge quite well. So much so, that Valencia became the first-choice right-back for Manchester United under van Gaal’s tutelage.
Things did not change upon the arrival of Jose Mourinho either, with the Portuguese keeping faith in Valencia. But, 2018-19 ended up being a season to forget for the 33-year-old, with injuries and subsequent poor form restricting him to a mere nine first-team appearances.
As a result, speculation surrounding his future grew like wildfire over the course of the season, with the inevitable being confirmed three months ago. With Valencia now set to leave Manchester United at the end of this month, the rumour mill has been abuzz about his next destination.
Arsenal were quoted to be one of the first clubs to hold an interest in the veteran Ecuadorian. And now, Premier League new boys Sheffield United have made an offer to the former Manchester United captain over a possible free transfer next month.
The Blades currently have George Baldock and Kieron Freeman as the right-back options. But, with both players having just twelve left on their current deals, their futures are up in the air. Baldock, in particular, is reportedly attracting interest from Celtic, which explains why Sheffield United could be in search of a right-back.
And Valencia, with over a decade’s worth of experience in the Premier League with Wigan Athletic and Manchester United could be an invaluable addition at Bramall Lane. Sheffield United though, will face stiff competition for the 33-year-old from a number of sides in USA as well.
Antonio Valencia’s journey at Manchester United has just ended and now he has a big decision to make this summer. Sheffield United would give him a chance to remain in the Premier League, but it remains to be seen if the Ecuadorian international joins them or moves away from England instead.
