Sheffield United goalkeeper Jake Eastwood has completed a loan move to Kilmarnock. Eastwood has joined the SPFL club on a six-month loan deal. The news could disappoint Bolton Wanderers, who had been linked to Eastwood.
Jake Eastwood Leaves Sheffield United
Eastwood Needs Playing Time
Twenty-three-year-old Eastwood is currently on the fringes of a breakthrough at Sheffield United. As a member of the playing squad, he is currently experiencing one of the most successful periods in the recent history of Sheffield United.
However, United’s rise from League One to top-ten of the Premier League means that Eastwood’s chances of first-team football are limited, not least because of the form of Dean Henderson. He has been superb and vital in United’s rise. The one problem for United is that Henderson is only a loanee; he might not return next season.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder is eager to re-sign Henderson, as are several other managers. Henderson could even feature as the first-choice goalkeeper at Manchester United – the club who have loaned him to Sheffield United for the past two seasons.
Earlier this month, Wilder opted to sign the experienced Wes Foderingham from Rangers. Foderingham will vie with Simon Moore and Michael Verrips to become first-choice, should Henderson not return. This likely meant that Eastwood would remain without the vital playing time required to further his development. Therefore, a loan move from Brammall Lane seems the best option.
Previous Loan Moves
Eastwood is no stranger to leaving Sheffield United on loan. Last season, he spent six months on loan at Scunthorpe United of League One.
Although he made his Scunthorpe debut in their opening match of the 2019/20 season, there was no sudden impact. He only started to play regularly on October 12th. From then on, he became Scunthorpe’s first-choice until his return to the Blades in early January. Following his return, Eastwood was an unused substitute for Sheffield United’s Premier League match against West Ham United on January 10th 2020.
Overall, Eastwood made 15 appearances in all competitions for Scunthorpe.
He played for Chesterfield during the 2017/18 season. This was another short-loan.
Earlier that season, Eastwood had made his Sheffield United debut in a Carabao Cup tie against Walsall. He would also feature in a Championship match for United upon his return from Chesterfield. This was on the 3rd February 2018, when United played at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Eastwood replaced Simon Moore in goal due to Moore’s 73rd-minute dismissal.
Connections are Vital
Connections are vital in all careers; football maybe more so than others. Kilmarnock manager Alex Dyer mentioned this when he spoke to the Official Kilmarnock FC website.
“I know the goalkeeping coach at Sheffield United,” said Dyer.
“He gave Jake a strong recommendation and we believe he can really develop his career with us at Kilmarnock.”
Good performances for Kilmarnock could be vital if Eastwood is to force his way into the Sheffield United first team. He is under no illusions.
“This is a big season for me and I want to show the supporters exactly what I can do,” confirmed Eastwood.
Eastwood could – subject to Scottish FA approval – make his Kilmarnock debut in their match at Hibernian on Saturday. This weekend marks the start of the 2020/21 SPL season.
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