On loan from Sheffield United, Lincoln City loan hero Ryan Oné has proven to be an astute piece of business, helping us to push towards the League One title.
Hopes of signing him in the summer have been dashed today, as Chris Wilder confirmed he sees Oné as part of the Sheffield United setup. It’s no surprise; he’s been coveted by Ipswich and Liverpool, among others, and is seen as a player with a huge future in the game.
We’ve benefitted from his energy this season, but as the Blades boss confirmed, he’ll be back at Bramall Lane in the summer, and has a fight on his hands for a starting spot there.
“He’s got a big future ahead of him,” Wilder told the Sheffield Star.
“He’s a number nine who can link it up, run down the sides and score. We sold Will Osula for £10 million. I’m not putting too much on Ryan. But he’s got a big future. And his future is with us.”
His immediate future this winter was not in Sheffield, but instead here at Lincoln. We weren’t the only side after him: Rotherham were one side heavily linked, but a glut of others wanted the striker for their own promotion aspirations.
Wilder, who I recall seeing at a Lincoln game weeks before he returned to Sheffield United, chose us, and while he’s happy to have the player in red and white for the long term, his spell in the same colours with us has proven to be a wise choice.
“We’re delighted that he’s here long term,” added Wilder. “We felt it was the right thing to do to get him out on loan. It’s been a great experience.
“The choice of club was always an important one. Because he had everybody in League One and League Two chasing him.”
Five goals tells it’s own story, but the two over Easter have been crucial. The late strike against Wimbledon set up Easter Monday, and he then settled nerves with an early one against Reading. Wilder reveals we’re happy with Oné’s contribution, which isn’t a surprise.
“They’re delighted with Ryan and his contribution. So it’s been a really positive loan for him. But a big pre-season awaits him.
“His challenge now will be to force his way in. I’ve got no problem about playing him. If he forces his way in.”
Who knows, maybe if he doesn’t force his way in, another loan could be on the cards, and as we’ve seen with JJ McKiernan, a loan spell in the same division is always possible…
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