Nottingham Forest don’t want to let Lewis O’Brien join Sheffield United during the summer transfer window. It’s claimed that the Blades are keen on landing the 24-year-old following their promotion to the Premier League.
According to The Sun, Forest are uncertain whether or not to let O’Brien leave for Bramall Lane. They believe that in doing so, they could be bolstering a team that could be fighting it out in the bottom half of the table next season.
The midfielder signed for Forest from Huddersfield last summer. He cost the club £10 million shortly after the Reds had defeated the Terriers in the Championship Play-Off Final.
O’Brien’s dream of playing Premier League football soon turned into a nightmare. He played 14 times during the first half of the 2022/23 campaign but was omitted from the 25-man squad when it was resubmitted in January.
That saw the player head to D.C. United on loan for the MLS campaign. His current deal is due to expire at the end of the month and the Reds have a decision to make over the player.
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Wayne Rooney would love to sign O’Brien until the end of the calendar year. However, with Premier League interest now in the offing, it’s not clear what Forest will choose to do with the player.
Forest don’t want Lewis O’Brien to join Sheffield United
This would be very wise from a Forest point of view. The Reds will hope to improve next season, but they won’t want to be bolstering a potential rival in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
O’Brien has something to offer Forest in the Premier League. When he did play last season, the Reds benefitted from his presence but the signing of Danilo forced him down the pecking order.
United will be hoping to get one back on Forest during 2023/24. The Reds beat the Blades on their way to promotion during the play-offs in the 2021/22 campaign and Paul Heckingbottom will fancy revenge.
What the future holds for Forest man O’Brien is uncertain right now. At this stage, it seems pretty certain that the talented maestro won’t be heading to Bramall Lane any time in the near future.