Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has explained why the club sold Southampton striker Che Adams.
The crossover between Wilder and Adams in 2016 was brief. The former had been appointed as manager in May, while the latter left for Birmingham City in August.
At the time the Blades were struggling in League One, while Birmingham were an established Championship club. Their paths would cross again for two seasons when both sides were in the second tier of English football together.
In fact there is something quite fitting about how their respective rises through the divisions have coincided. This summer Adams earned a big money move to the Premier League.
Meanwhile, United were preparing for their first campaign back in the top flight in 12 years after their second promotion in three years.
“He was a young player and had obviously scored a few goals under Nigel (Adkins) and made a few headlines,” Wilder told BBC Radio Sheffield.
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“There was interest from another club and he wanted to go. I wanted players who wanted to help Sheffield United out.
“There was no issue between me and Che. At the time we had to raise funds to reinvest in different areas, which we did.
“Che went on and did very well at Birmingham and had a great season last year to get his move to Southampton.
“He’ll be looking to establish himself as much as we are in the Premier League.”
Blades face Che Adams and Southampton
Wilder’s men will go up against Adams and the rest of the Saints team this weekend when they host them at Bramall Lane on Saturday.
This won’t be the first time Adams has lined up against his former club, featuring four times for the Blues. Yet it will be the first time in the top flight.
And for both Adams and the Blades side he used to play for, that is a big deal.