Ravel Morrison – Fantasy Football Potential

Sheffield United have announced the signing of Ravel Morrison on a free transfer, as he signs on a one year deal. Earlier this month, the former Manchester United midfielder took part of the Blades’ pre-season training camp in Portugal.

Here’s what Morrison has had to say about his move the Premier League newbies:

“It’s great to be back in England again and to get my career kick-started again. Before I went away [to Portugal], they made me feel very welcome. It was an easy decision to make – the Premier League, a great team and a great manager.”

Player History

At the age of 17, Morrison signed a professional contract with Manchester United and went on to make his first team debut in 2010 in a League cup victory over Wolves. That said, between 2010 and 2012 Morrison didn’t make any appearances in the league, with his only appearances being in the cups.

In January 2012, Morrison signed for West Ham on a three and a half year deal for an undisclosed fee. He made his debut for the club in a 1-1 draw against Leeds United in the Championship, but he didn’t make any other appearances in the 2011/12 season.

Keen to get first team experience, Morrison joined Birmingham City on loan for the 2012/13 campaign. Morrison’s attitude came into question, with Birmingham City’s manager, Lee Clark, considering terminating the contract. That said, he went on to make 27 appearances in the Championship, scoring 3 and assisting another 3.

The 2013/14 campaign saw him return to West Ham and he featured on 16 occasions in the league during the first half of the season, scoring 3 and assisting 2. However in February 2014 he joined QPR on loan to the end of the season, where we played 15 times, scoring 6 and assisting 2 in the Championship.

The start of the 2014/15 campaign saw Morrison go on loan to Cardiff City until December 2014. He went on to make only one start for Cardiff and returned to the Hammers early from his loan. On his return, West Ham terminated his contract with him leaving in February. He signed a pre contract with Lazio, signing a four year deal, however off the field issues once again became an issue, with coach Stefano Pioli criticising his effort. He made just 4 appearances off the bench in Serie A during the first half of the 2015/16 season.

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In January 2017, he returned to QPR, but it was not as successful as the first, making just 1 start. The 2017/18 campaign saw him join Atlas on a season long loan where he made a total of 25 appearances (12 off the bench), scoring on 3 occasions.

The 2018/19 campaign followed suit. No appearances for Lazio and was sent out on loan Ostersund for the second half of the campaign, where he made just 6 appearances for the club.

Internationally, Morisson has made appearances for England youth levels between under-16’s through to the under-21’s, but is yet to make a senior appearance for England.

Fantasy Football Potential

Morrison has the ability to be a top quality footballer, however his off the field antics has clearly limited his success in the past. That said he has struggled to have an impact in the Mexican and Swedish leagues, so he is quite a gamble for Chris Wilder.

The Englishman is likely to have a Fantasy Premier League price of £4.5m-£5.0m and is probably one to avoid for the time being due to his history. During his four years at West Ham he made just 24 appearances, so with that; Morrison will be one to keep an eye on to see if he can settle into the Premier League and have an impact with Sheffield United.

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