Luke Freeman might have got himself on the scoresheet last night as Sheffield United beat Doncaster Rovers, but his future remains in the balance.
Freeman was on media duties following the game. He was introduced in the second half, and got his goal late on, nodding in from Jayden Bogle’s cross.
It’s been a frustrating period at Bramall Lane for the former Arsenal youth player. Ever since moving from QPR, he’s found himself playing second fiddle behind John Fleck. A loan spell with Nottingham Forest didn’t go brilliantly either, while injuries have also hampered him.
But despite being tipped for a role in this Blades team under Jokanovic, Freeman sounded less than convincing last night as he spoke about his future.
“I’ve not chance to properly speak to him (Jokanovic) one to one at the moment. He’s expressed what he wants us to do as a group. The style of play suits me more than previously, but I’m not too sure exactly,” Freeman said.
“I think there’ll come a point where we all need to have a chat with him and be a general chat. I’m contracted as a Sheffield United player. It was my decision to go on loan last year.
When pressed further on if he saw his immediate future with Sheffield United, Freeman didn’t exactly hammer home the words every fan might want to hear.
“I need to get back to playing consistent football. That’s my priority. I’m sure there’ll be a conversation with the club, and see how it goes you know,” he added.
Moving on?
It might be nothing, but the tone in Freeman’s interview here hardly struck a chord. He didn’t exactly sound upbeat about things, and the fact he’s not had a chat with Jokanovic yet is a bit of a worry.
Of course, the Blades boss might simply be getting down to business on the training field. He will want everyone ready, and could well be seeing how players respond to his methods.
But a decision will need to be taken on Luke Freeman. He’s certainly got something in the locker we lack. Whether that’s something we see in the current season, only he and Jokanovic can know.
For now, Freeman will need to buckle down and try to impress against Norwich City this weekend.