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Sheffield United signing this 13-goal in-form star would solve a nagging issue for Wilder

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Why signing Omrani would be a wise decision by Sheffield

According to a report by The Sun, Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder is keeping close tabs on CFR Cluj striker Billel Omrani.

Premier League newcomers Sheffield, have had an impressive outing so far, with the club lying eighth in the league table, keeping their hopes of a European berth alive.

Having said that, the Blades are hoping to strengthen their squad in January and Algerian Omrani has emerged as one of their targets for the winter window.

Though Sheffield has managed to hold on to a top-ten spot in the league this season, thanks to a stringent defence that has conceded just 21 goals in as many league games, their attack has been a cause of concern so far.

CFR Cluj striker Billel Omrani in action during a Europa League encounter.
CFR Cluj striker Billel Omrani in action during a Europa League encounter. (Getty Images)

Despite bringing in strikers Oliver McBurnie, and Lys Mousset last summer and already having veterans Billy Sharp, Leon Clark, David McGoldrick in the attack, Wilder’s side have hit the target a mere 23 times.

After losing their last two league games, Wilder would now be wary of the fact that his side requires a prolific goal-scorer who could be on the scoresheet on regular basis to end this season on a happier note.

Meanwhile, Omrani, 26, has been turning heads with his eye-catchy displays for Romanian outfit Cluj, for whom he has scored a total of 13 goals in all competitions this season.

Of the 13, 6 of them have come in the Champions League qualifying campaign against the likes of Maccabi Tel-Aviv and Celtic, which placed Omrani in the limelight.

Sheffield United's summer signing Lys Mousset is the side's top-scorer in the league with 5 goals to his name.
Sheffield United’s summer signing Lys Mousset is the side’s top-scorer in the league with 5 goals to his name. (Getty Images)

Blessed with pace and a keen eye for goal, the France-born Algerian is capable of playing anywhere in the attack but prefers a more central role.  

He has been instrumental for his side, scoring 6 times from 16 games, helping them to pole position in the Romanian top-flight division this season.

Having joined the Marseille academy as a teenager in 2011, Omrani spent his time with the French side until 2016, but failed to make his big impact, finally making a switch to Cluj in the summer.

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CFR Cluj striker Billel Omrani engaged in a tussle with Stade Rennais defender in the Europa League.
CFR Cluj striker Billel Omrani (right) engaged in a tussle with Stade Rennais defender in the Europa League. (Getty Images)

However, unlike at Marseille, Omrani went on to become a crucial player for Cluj, scoring 37 goals and producing 28 assists from a total of 134 matches.

Verdict

With Wilder’s strikers yet to impress, the highest being Mousset with just 5 league goals so far, Sheffield are in real need of a consistent finisher in their ranks and who better than Omrani.

The forward has been key to his side’s successive Romanian League titles in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, signifying his worth within the side.

Also, it was evident during his recent exploits at the Champions League qualifiers that he has it what it takes to excel at the highest level. Hence, it would be a wise decision if Sheffield rope in the striker, who looks to be in good form at the moment.