Sheffield United 'make call' on future of ex-Burnley and Brentford defender Ben Mee
Sheffield United ‘make call’ on the future of former Burnley and Brentford defender Ben Mee
Sheffield United have reportedly opted against extending the contract of veteran defender Ben Mee.
The 36-year-old arrived at Bramall Lane last September but has quickly become something of a forgotten man.
He has not appeared in the Championship since January, when he completed 90 minutes in a 3-1 win over Ipswich Town. The centre-back was on the bench for the trip to Millwall a week later, but has not been seen on the bench since.
Ben Mee tipped for Sheffield United exit
It is therefore not particularly surprising to see The Star claiming Mee will depart upon the expiry of his contract this summer.
There is thought to be an option to extend his deal by a further year, one that will not be activated by the Blades.
Mee suffered from a formation change at Bramall Lane, as well as the resurgence of on-loan Nottingham Forest man Tyler Bindon.
Revamp on the cards at Sheffield United
If he does depart, he will be far from alone in being a player leaving Sheffield United. There looks set to be an overhaul in South Yorkshire this summer once the curtain on a thoroughly underwhelming season has come down.
After last week’s 3-2 defeat to Preston North End, Blades manager Chris Wilder claimed the shirt had proven too heavy for some of his players.
He said: “There was a softness about us and then the shirt’s heavy. It’s been too heavy for some players. Both boxes have been our Achilles heel this season, even late on.”
Mee is a product of Manchester City’s academy but is best-known for his exploits in the colours of Burnley. He spent over a decade at Turf Moor, making 376 appearances between 2011 and 2022.
Three years with Brentford followed his Clarets exit before the former England youth international pitched up at Sheffield United in September last year.