Sheffield United sanction striker loan transfer after Chris Wilder decision
Sheffield United are set to loan out young striker Louie Marsh amid a busy January transfer window at Bramall Lane.
Patrick Bamford has extended his stay at Sheffield United in recent days, signing an 18-month contract after scoring six goals in his first 11 games as a Blade.
The 32-year-old initially arrived on a short-term agreement after leaving Leeds United, but he has now become a permanent fixture in Chris Wilder‘s team.
Sheffield United have also signed Ki-Jana Hoever on loan from Wolves, as they look to build on a positive return to form.
Despite a terrible start to the season, Sheffield United are now expected to be safe from any threat of relegation to League One this season.
Sheffield United make Louie Marsh decision
Marsh, 21, made his first significant step towards first-team football last season, when he netted twice in 16 League Two appearances for Fleetwood Town.
The young striker got his first goal for Sheffield United in the same season, scoring against Wrexham in the first round of the Carabao Cup.
But this season, his appearances have largely been limited to the Under-21s, where he has thrived.
Marsh has scored four goals and provided an assist in just five games in the Premier League Cup this season, including a hat-trick against Stoke City‘s U21s.
Alan Nixon reported to his Patreon on Monday that Sheffield United are now sending the forward to Scottish Premiership side Falkirk.
Wilder has included the 21-year-old in his squad this season at times, but he will be granted far more opportunities on loan.
Falkirk are sixth in the Scottish top flight, and are well on course to finish in the top six split despite having been in Scottish League One less than two years ago.
Who will Marsh be competing with at Falkirk?
Brian Graham has often been the man to feature through the middle for Falkirk this season. At 38, however, the striker cannot play every single week and John McGlynn is keen to add competition.
21-year-old Barney Stewart was selected against St Mirren on Saturday, and Ben Parkinson and Ross MacIver also represented alternatives on the bench.
| Falkirk strikers | Appearances (Scottish Premiership 2025-26) | Goals (Scottish Premiership 2025-26) |
| Brian Graham | 17 | 4 |
| Barney Stewart | 2 | 0 |
| Ben Parkinson | 1 | 0 |
| Ross MacIver | 10 | 3 |
Neither player has featured regularly, however, and Marsh will be confident about his ability to break into McGlynn’s team.
A strong run with Falkirk could prove massively beneficial to both the young striker’s development, but also his reputation.