What ex-Liverpool starlet, linked with Sheffield United and Sunderland, said about his future
Sheffield United are reportedly interested in signing 24-year-old Canadian international Liam Millar this summer as they seek to rebuild their team following relegation to the Championship. United have already lost 10 players, including their loan contingent and five stalwarts, all of whom have been released, with further departures expected as a result of their terrible season.
Boss Chris Wilder is excited about overseeing another major Blades reconstruction, but he will not be given a blank chequebook by owner Prince Abdullah and will have to sell to buy, with loans and free transfers the immediate pond he is fishing in. That could change if big stars like Anel Ahmedhodzic and Vini Souza leave, as predicted, although the transfer fees are believed to be low.
Millar is under contract with Swiss club FC Basel for another season, but he spent the previous season on loan at Preston in the Championship, scoring five goals and assisting on another in 36 games. North End are interested in signing him on a permanent basis, while rival Championship club Sunderland are also said to be interested in the Canadian, who went to England with Fulham before joining Liverpool’s youth.
Moving back to England with Preston gave Millar the opportunity to be closer to his family in the northwest while still proving himself in the second division. When asked about his future plans earlier this year, he admitted to being open to any possibilities. “You never know what can happen next season,” Millar added. “I have no idea.” We’ll deal with it when I’m ready.
“I felt I had something to prove in England. I left Liverpool and have always wanted to return and prove that I am good enough to play in the Championship. And perhaps, one day I’ll be able to prove that I’m good enough to play in the Premier League. Off the field, it was challenging for me in Switzerland because of the language barrier and the distance from my family.
“My mom, dad, brother, and sister. And all of those things. So, being in England, particularly in the northwest, where they all live, is quite beneficial. I believe that what happens off the field carries over to the field, which helps me play well.
With Millar’s contract at Basel entering its final year, the Swiss club may be tempted to do business this summer rather than risk losing him for free at the end of next season. Jamie Hoyland, United’s new lead scout, is a former Preston coach who will be well aware of Millar’s performances at Deepdale. Additionally, North End manager Ryan Lowe has already stated that Millar would not cost the earth in terms of wages, which will be music to United’s ears if they pursue any interest.
“Liam had a fantastic season for us, which we knew he would,” Lowe remarked last month, according to our sister newspaper, the Lancashire Evening Post. “He is a tremendous player. However, all we can do is put our best offer on the table. He understands that we want to keep him, and I believe Basel does as well. It’s simple for us to say we want to keep him, but I believe Liam’s sort of contract fits with how we work.
“So, he is completely affordable; the question is whether he is affordable to buy. I am sure other teams will be interested in him, but we have a value, and if the value is significantly higher, there is nothing you can do about it. But Liam has enjoyed his time here and has shown a desire to continue – the question is whether we can reach an agreement with his parent club.”
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