The January window is already lurking around the corner and Sheffield United might end up with transfers going both ways by the end of it.
Slavisa Jokanovic has stressed the need to balance his squad. By that, we believe he means bringing in a new winger or two, and ensuring he has the right personnel to suit his desired 4-2-3-1 formation.
Key to addressing that balance will be letting some players go. Whether that be on loan, or by way of a permanent sale. This Blades squad is top heavy, so to make room, some faces will have to depart.
But who could end up being shown the door by Jokanovic? And who could bring in funds to further help Slavisa with his project? We’ve taken a look at the outgoing transfers that could happen at Sheffield United in January.
Rhian Brewster – Loan
It’s extremely unlikely that United will give up on Brewster and look to sell him permanently, They made a big investment of over £20m into the young striker, so a sale now is surely off the cards.
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However, a loan move might be on the cards. Nottingham Forest are already said to be keen, with Brewster’s former Swansea manager, Steve Cooper, now in charge at the City Ground.
Jokanovic has said that he isn’t thinking of sending Rhian out for now. But that could change, depending on incomings.
Regan Slater – Permanent
Slater, 22, has once again failed to make his mark on the first-team this season and with his contract expiring in the summer, expect him to be moved on.
In all likelihood, United will let him go for next to nothing or even free, with the inclusion of a sell-on the most likely outcome.
It’s a shame for Slater. He’s been knocking on the door for some time now under both Wilder and Jokanovic. But he did well in Hull last year, so a drop back to League One, or even the lower Championship, could help his career get going.
Oli Burke – Permanent/Loan
Oh dear. What an absolute nightmare signing this has been for the Blades and former boss, Chris Wilder. Yes, we got Burke and money for Callum Robinson. But to say the former Celtic man has underwhelmed, is an understatement.
Burke is seemingly more concerned with his social media profile of late than football. Granted, he is injured, and ultimately, it’s his choice what he does off the field.
But it’s a signing that’s not worked out and if there’s any sniff of a bid from anyone, then United should take it immediately.
Luke Freeman – Permanent/Loan
Another Chris Wilder signing who’s never quite seemed at home at Bramall Lane. Injuries have held Freeman back, and while he’s due back in training this week, it’s unlikely we’ll see him much.
While he’s been out, Iliman Ndiaye has seized his chance in the number ten role Freeman might have fancied. That sums up his time at the club, really.
There’ll be Championship clubs keen on Freeman. The question is whether someone will buy him, or another loan move is on the cards.
Sander Berge – Permanent
Let’s be honest, most of us didn’t expect to get through the summer with Sander Berge still in this squad. Interest from Arsenal, Tottenham, and clubs in Italy, suggested the Norwegian was on his way out.
However, he’s still here, albeit, injured again. You just get the impression we might not see Berge again before January. Whatever injury he has seems to be taking an age to heal.
If clubs do come back knocking in January and we can recoup near enough the £22m we paid Genk, then it would be no surprise to see Berge sold.