Forward Oli McBurnie is attracting serious interest from multiple Championship clubs this summer after leaving Spanish outfit Las Palmas. The 29-year-old Scot is now a free agent and expected to return to English football following a difficult season in Spain.
A Player in Demand
McBurnie featured 34 times for Las Palmas in the 2024/25 campaign, scoring just three goals as the club suffered relegation from the top flight. While his stint in Spain didn’t quite catch fire, his proven pedigree in the Championship, combined with his experience as a full Scotland international, ensures he’s a major draw on the free agent market.
Sources suggest Sheffield United, Swansea City, and Hull City are all actively exploring a move, with a decision expected imminently.
✍️ Sheffield United have held discussions with former striker Oli McBurnie.
— The #EFL Zone (@TheFLZone) July 30, 2025
Hull and Swansea have also held talks with the free agent.
(via @dannyhall04) pic.twitter.com/GBDX88DF9a
Sheffield United – A Bramall Lane Return?
Ruben Selles has been tasked with reshaping a Sheffield United side that suffered playoff agony last season, and a familiar face could help him rebuild. McBurnie previously spent five seasons at Bramall Lane, joining in a then club-record £20 million deal from Swansea back in 2019.
He went on to make 146 appearances and score 26 goals for the Blades, including a strike against Manchester United in a thrilling 3-3 draw, and a 15-goal Championship season in 2022/23 that helped earn promotion. According to The Star’s Danny Hall, the club are considering a move to bring him back on a free transfer.
Swansea City – A South Wales Switch?
McBurnie first made his name at Swansea City, where he developed through the U21s and became a regular first-team figure between 2015 and 2019. He netted 22 goals in 58 appearances before his big-money switch to Sheffield United, and a reunion could now be on the cards.
The Swans, now led by Alan Sheehan, are keen to strengthen their forward line, and McBurnie’s history at the Liberty Stadium makes him an obvious target. He remains a fan favourite in South Wales, so much so that he has even been spotted in the away end during a South Wales derby, underlining the close bond he still enjoys with the Swansea fan‑base.
Hull City – Jakirovic Keen to Strike Deal
Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic has publicly declared his admiration for McBurnie.
"I would like to have Oli McBurnie," he said to Hull Live. "He would bring everything that we need, leadership, experience and he knows the Championship.
"Plus goals. I hope the goals; we need goals. I believe, yes (we can get it done). I believe that the EFL will help us."
The Tigers are targeting a proven striker after narrowly avoiding relegation in 2024/25. A manager publicly identifying a transfer target it unusual, but shows Jakirovic is determined to build a side that will improve on last season's disappointments.
A Valuable Asset
With over 200 senior appearances in the Championship and 16 Scotland caps, McBurnie remains a valuable free transfer opportunity. While his goal tally dipped in Spain, his work rate and hold-up play remain widely respected as one of the best in the Championship. Any of the three interested clubs would be gaining a reliable forward, and with a decision expected soon, the race for his signature is well and truly on.
