Sheffield United have approached the transfer market in exactly the right manner this summer.
The Blades are preparing for their first season in the Premier League in 12 years. After a slow start, they have now signed four new players – breaking their transfer record twice in the process.
First club legend Phil Jagielka returned as a free agent after being released by Everton. The Yorkshire Post reports £6m was then paid to QPR for Luke Freeman, before Callum Robinson arrived from Preston North End for £8m.
Most recently Ravel Morrison signed a one-year contract after impressing on trial. Yet United manager Chris Wilder says business isn’t over.
“I think we’ll break the record a third time and might break it again, which is exciting news as a club,” Wilder told Sheffield Live!
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“I want another four to come in, which will give us a nice number to work with.”
The first of those is likely to be another record signing, with BBC Sport reporting Lys Mousset has passed a medical ahead of a £10m switch from Bournemouth.
Wilder went onto confirm the return of Dean Henderson on loan is imminent. The goalkeeper is expected to rejoin from Manchester United after impressing last term.
Meanwhile, the Guardian reports a £15m bid for Oli McBurnie has been rejected. Swansea City want in excess of £20m for the striker. The report also says Nottingham Forest have turned down a £3m offer for Ben Osborn.
Along with Mousset, Wilder is likely to sign another forward. That could be McBurnie or, according to the Sun, Neal Maupay is preparing to leave Brentford for either Aston Villa or the Blades.
Why Sheffield United have done so well in the transfer market
(Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)
All of these signings and targets have one thing in common – they are unlikely to leave Bramall Lane if the club is relegated.
That, of course, will not be the plan but Wilder is also not foolish enough to discount the possibility. Since the Blades were last in the top flight in 2006/07, there have only been two seasons where at least one of the promoted sides haven’t gone straight back down.
Wilder is trying to improve his squad, but not with overly expensive acquisitions who would not be prepared to play in the Championship.
Instead the 51-year-old has largely targeted young players from England’s second tier whom he believes can make the step up.
Aside from Jagielka, those on the wish list have also got plenty of potential to develop and increase their value.
Wilder has been a canny operator in the transfer market ever since taking charge in 2016. This has lead to two promotions in three years. Despite now having a lofty position and increased funds, he continues to go about things in the right way.
