Sheffield United have a colossal recruitment job on their hands this summer as they attempt to rebuild a squad fit for a Championship promotion push.
The Blades need at least ten new players this summer after seeing last season’s loanees depart, as well as saying goodbye to: Jordan Amissah, Chris Basham, George Baldock, Wes Foderingham, Max Lowe and Ollie Norwood.
Adam Davies, John Egan, Oli McBurnie and Ben Osborn are still in talks with the club over a new contract.
Meanwhile, United are waiting for Daniel Jebbison to accept the contract offer that is on the table. Failing to reach an agreement with the young forward will result in Sheffield United getting compensation. Under both the Premier League’s and the English Football League’s (EFL’s) Rules and Regulations, a club signing an out-of-contract player under the age of 24 is obliged to pay compensation to the former club for its training and development of the player.
So, worst case scenario the club could see as many as 15 players leaving before anyone is even sold. We know Cameron Archer will be sold back to Aston Villa due to a written agreement with the Villans. Additionally, it is highly likely that Anel Ahmedhodzic and Vinicius Souza will be sold to help fund this massive rebuild.
That would mean the Blades would need to bring in close to 20 new signings in the worst possible scenario, which is an extraordinary amount.
Realistic Sheffield United signings in the summer transfer window
As this takeover news drags on and on, the more pessimistic people will become. And due to the potential takeover the recruitment team can identify players, but they can’t do anything extensive because they don’t know what funds they are working with this summer.
However, the recruitment team will definitely be looking at some potential loan candidates and free agents at this time. The summer transfer window opens on June 14, and the Blades must do some business early if they want to stand any chance of getting bodies through the door.
Free agent midfielder’s with bags of Championship experience that Sheffield United should sign
The Blades will be in the market for midfielders this summer as Vinicius Souza and Ismaila Coulibaly are likely to leave the club, with Sheffield United legend Oliver Norwood also departing at the end of his contract.
Experienced players that have played in a ton of Championship league matches should be prioritised for midfield and defensive positions.
Alan Browne – Formerly of Preston North End
Alan Browne, who has played over 340 times in the Championship for Preston North End, scoring 39 goals and providing 22 assists, is a potential free agent target.
Browne’s 35 caps for Ireland, alongside his connections with the Irish setup, could prove beneficial for United. Keith Andrews, on the Blades’ management staff and formerly part of the Republic of Ireland setup, along with current Ireland captain John Egan, could help facilitate Browne’s move to Bramall Lane.
Browne, a dependable and versatile player, has consistently featured in the Championship and could bring much-needed experience to United’s midfield.
Alex Mowatt – Formerly of West Bromwich Albion
Alex Mowatt is another versatile central midfielder that Sheffield United could be looking at. The 29-year-old was born in South Yorkshire and with his West Brom contract expiring perhaps he would also like to move closer to home. He is left-footed, so he would add that balance to the midfield. And he has played 322 Championship games throughout his career.
United’s new head of recruitment, Mike Allen, was the man who identified Mowatt and brought him to Middlesbrough during his and Chris Wilder’s tenure on Teeside.
Paddy McNair – Formerly of Middlesbrough
Additionally, Chris Wilder’s previous relationship with Paddy McNair at Boro could make Bramall Lane an attractive prospect for the 29-year-old. The versatile defender, who is also capable of playing as a defensive midfielder, has played 212 Championship games throughout his career.