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“‘He’ll Regret It!’ – Dan Ballard Issued Stark Warning Over Sheffield United Move”
Sunderland Fan Pundit Shares Thoughts on Potential Dan Ballard Move to Sheffield United
Football League World’s Sunderland fan pundit believes that a potential summer move to Sheffield United could be a positive step for both Dan Ballard and the Blades—assuming they secure promotion back to the Premier League.
However, he also feels that the 25-year-old defender might be better suited for a more established top-flight side.
Ballard, a Northern Ireland international, joined Sunderland from Arsenal in June 2022 on a three-year deal, reportedly costing around £2 million.
Since then, he’s become a key part of their defense when fit, playing a vital role in their push for promotion this season.
However, his time at the Stadium of Light has been marred by recurring injuries, which have disrupted both his own progress and that of the team.
FLW recently revealed Sheffield United’s interest in Ballard, should they secure a Premier League return, and reports suggest Sunderland could ask for a fee in the region of £12 to £15 million.
Jack Austwicke, a Sunderland fan pundit for FLW, weighed in on the speculation.
While he acknowledges the appeal of the transfer fee, he questions whether Sheffield United is the right destination for a player of Ballard’s caliber.
“If Ballard does move to Sheffield United, he’s essentially accepting that he could be back in the Championship the following season,” Jack said.
“Unless they pull off something extraordinary, I can’t see them surviving in the Premier League.”
He compared the situation to that of Jack Clarke, suggesting Ballard might be in line for a similar trajectory—up to the top flight, only to come back down.
Still, he admits the potential price tag is fair: “£12 to £15 million…I’d take that. I like Ballard, but that’s likely the best we’ll get for him.”
Austwicke believes Ballard could aim higher: “Maybe he could go to a more secure club like Wolves. But if he does join Sheffield United, it wouldn’t be a bad move—and the fee would be hard to turn down.”
Sunderland May Be Willing to Sell Ballard This Summer
Ballard is widely regarded as one of the Championship’s best center-backs when fully fit, but his injury record has been a concern.
Sunderland have at times learned to cope in his absence, meaning his departure wouldn’t come as a major blow to head coach Régis Le Bris or fans.
Injuries have plagued his Sunderland career. He broke his foot early on and later suffered a hamstring injury that ended his debut season early.
He played just 19 league matches in his first year but was a regular in the 2023/24 campaign, making 43 appearances.
This season, however, he’s managed just 19 appearances due to ongoing fitness issues and is currently sidelined again with a hamstring problem.
Given his injury history and Sunderland’s ability to adapt without him, the club may be open to selling him if the right offer comes in.
However, their decision may also hinge on their own promotion prospects—if they return to the Premier League, they may choose to keep hold of Ballard for another campaign.
