Sheffield United Star Handed Career Ultimatum Amidst "Key" Career Period

"He Decides, Not Me" - Wilder Places Future In Hands of Starlet

Sheffield United winger Andre Brooks has been told that he has every chance to become a Premier League player in the not-too-distant future, but has been notified that only he can decide whether his lofty potential is properly seen through. The 22-year-old right-winger has played a part in The Blades' recent form revival, starting all four of Sheffield United's recent winning matches.

In Saturday afternoon's 4-0 thrashing of promotion hopefuls Stoke City, Brooks again displayed his talents with a dangerous display in unison with fellow academy alumnus Femi Seriki down the right hand side. In tandem with the likes of Sydie Peck and a returning Oliver Arblaster, Chris Wilder has a strong core of young talents that provide not only future optimism, but strong will for the present of The Blades' fortunes.

Chris Wilder has always had a strong belief in Brooks and in many young players that make the grade under his tutelage across either of his three spells in charge of the club, but the 58-year-old has been clear in his admissions that Brooks must take control of his own career if he is to meet the expectations he could reach.

Sheffield United starlet set big Blades challenge ahead of key career period after “big league” transfer verdict

Wilder Calls For Brooks to Control Destiny

Chris Wilder was adamant in his belief that Brooks himself is the only one with true control over where his promising career can take him:

"He decides, not me. I don't decide. I know what the talent is there, but it's got to bring it all together. So, he decides, not me. I have faith in him, I have belief in him as a player.

“I love to see those local boys come through as well. I love to see the boys from the academy coming through. Femi's a Manchester boy, but he feels like a Sheffield boy. Our Sydie is obviously a cockney, but he's shown all the traits of a Sheffield boy. Blaster, all the others. So, they commit.

Some interesting stuff from Chris Wilder on Andre Brooks’ future - the talent is clear but the Blades boss suggesting what happens next is down to the 22yo himself https://t.co/U8yMMniyJX#sufc #twitterblades

— Danny Hall (@dannyhall04) December 9, 2025

“And obviously, Brooksy is a local boy. They know a lot about it but for me, it’s him who decides. He has that opportunity every time he plays and as I said, you can't count yourself as a player until you've played 150, 200 games. He's way short of that at the moment. He has to add those seasons up and show those consistent levels, if he's going to be a player and a top player.

“He's got all the attributes, as you've seen. He's got ability, he's got drive, he's got purpose. Defensively, he's been up against two of the top wingers in the division this season, Leicester City’s Stephy Mavadidi and Sorba Thomas of Stoke City.

“I thought a lot would be talked about Femi and Femi's goal and his assist, and 'Brooksy' and the way he played, especially second half. But going the other way, he has a job to do for us. He has that responsibility out of possession.

Andre Brooks made 11 tackles in the Steel City derby for Sheffield United.

This was the most in a Championship game in 2 and a half years.

Local lad up for it 💪 pic.twitter.com/JrnH133goE

— Second Tier podcast (@secondtierpod) November 23, 2025

“His energy levels were absolutely spot-on as well. The punters won't be critical if he produces those levels, and I certainly won't. But going back to your original question, he decides how his career goes forward. They've all got ownership of their own careers and their own futures.”

Andre Brooks Transfer News

Andre Brooks has been on the books with Sheffield United since he was just eight-years-old, and has only ever spent time away from The Blades during a one-month loan to formally-known-as Vanarama National League side Bradford (Park Avenue), where he scored one league goal from seven showings at the ages of 18 and 19.

Overall, he has made 66 appearances in all competitions for The Blades since making his debut as a late substitute in the EFL Championship in a 5-2 win against Burnley just two months after the end of his National League loan.

EXCL: Sheffield United are keen to tie Andre Brooks to a new long-term contract.

The 22-year-old is highly regarded at the club, and sources say his work ethic and attitude in training since Wilder’s return has Improved a big step up from last season.#sufc | #twitterblades pic.twitter.com/93mgHvDOWK

— Bladeshub (@Bladeshub_) November 21, 2025

Brooks has been ousted as one to watch for some time during these years, but his future was up in the air over the course of the summer transfer window which was presided over by now-sacked manager Ruben Selles, who was replaced by Wilder a few weeks ago following an awful start to the season that left Sheffield United bottom. The arrival of Nigerian midfielder Ehije Ukaki and claims of Brooks being 'inconsistent' saw rumours circulate of a move to Preston North End that never materialised.

With Wilder's arrival, and after making only three starts under Selles, Brooks has been restored to first-team fruition and has made 10 starts overall in this Championship season, scoring once and assisting another. Chris Wilder has placed an onus on Brooks to control his own destiny, and his recent performances have showcased that being a top-flight player may potentially be in the realms of possibility for Brooks one day. Until the Premier League eventually comes calling, it will remain to be known how far Brooks can take his career.