Chris Wilder has prioritised acquiring a centre-half with top-flight experience ahead of Thursday’s transfer deadline. The Sheffield United manager’s attention has turned to bolstering the defence following earlier signings of forward Ben Brereton-Diaz and goalkeeper Ivo Grbic during the window.
With long-term injuries sidelining defenders Chris Basham and John Egan, Sheffield United finds themselves in need of reinforcements. They’ve been linked with players such as Joe Worrall from Nottingham Forest and Everton’s Mason Holgate and Ben Godfrey.
However, the situation is complicated by the club’s preference for a loan deal rather than a permanent transfer, as highlighted by Wilder in his recent press conference.
“We wanted to bring quality in with a few players going out, which they have done. But definitely bringing players in who strengthen the group and push players. There are incredibly important games going on and we are working frantically to improve our group [via the loan market], and hopefully we do that before the window shuts.”
Loan signings so far
Thus far the loan signing of Brereton-Diaz looks to be a very good acquisition. Scoring on his Premier League debut against West Ham, but he’s also stretching the defence which is giving more space for United’s playmakers to create something.
Meanwhile, Grbic didn’t have the debut he’d have hoped for, however conceding five goals does seem harsh on deflection. He rarely had anything to do, other than watch two world class strikes from the edge of the box fly past him, and face two penalties. Brighton’s fifth goal you could say he should do better, but the game was long gone.
United’s next match is on Tuesday evening, away at Crystal Palace. Palace’s recent dip in form places them 15th in the league, just five points clear of the relegation zone. This is a game where the Blades must travel back to Sheffield with at least a point at this desperate stage of the season.
