This summer, Sheffield United are said to be keen on acquiring AFC Bournemouth defender Chris Mepham. However, the Blades might encounter a financial obstacle in their pursuit of the Wales international.
Mepham was on loan at Sunderland during the previous season, where he made a substitute appearance in the playoff final’s opening minutes to assist them in achieving Premier League promotion, at the cost of Sheffield United.
As his contract at the Vitality Stadium expires at the end of June, Sheffield United will need to give careful thought to wages as they prepare for another season in the second tier.
derzeitige Schätzung des Verdiensts von Chris Mepham
According to estimated data from Capology, Chris Mepham’s earnings during his loan at Sunderland have been around £25,000 weekly, amounting to about £1.3 million annually.
Mepham, before his stint as a temporary Mackem, earned £35,000 weekly while playing for Bournemouth during the 2023/2024 season.
These figures are estimates, and the actual figure may vary, so it’s important to keep that in mind. To persuade Mepham to join, Sheffield United would have to offer a weekly salary that is equal to or greater than this amount—Nixon has reported that this poses an issue.
For a Championship club, the weekly figure of £35,000 represents a substantial investment. According to Capology’s estimates, Mepham would rank among the higher earners in the second tier and would be one of the top earners at Blades.
AFC Bournemouth could extend Chris Mepham’s contract.
Sheffield United’s pursuit of Mepham is complicated by factors beyond just the wage demands. The Cherries can extend the defender’s contract for an additional 12 months, which would enable them to recover some of the £12m they paid Brentford rather than losing him for free.
If Bournemouth takes advantage of this option, a bidding war could ensue among various clubs vying for Mepham’s signature.
Mepham has stated to the Sunderland Echo that, having missed first-team opportunities in recent seasons, his priority at this stage of his career is to get regular game time.
His successful loan spell at Sunderland, where he made 40 appearances in all competitions, will surely have increased his value. Something that might complicate Sheffield United’s pursuit further.
For Blades, acquiring Mepham might initially feel a bit off due to his recent stint on Wearside, but it would demonstrate their determination to pursue another promotion push.
The estimated wage requirement, however, may exceed their budget – especially since they would need to concentrate on the uncertainty regarding the futures of several key players at Bramall Lane.
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