Sheffield United could be on course to land nearly £200m in revenue if they can secure European football this season.
As we covered yesterday following a report by the Yorkshire Post, the Blades are eyeing a healthy pot of money. After such a successful campaign in the Premier League which could result in European football, having those sums come into the club will present it’s own challenges.
Chris Wilder has led Sheffield United to the brink of European football. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
As a club, United simply aren’t used to having such funds to play with. Of course, a lot of the money will need to be used sensibly in securing the club’s future.
However, it’s hard not to be excited by the prospect of seeing the whole club grow. This includes improvements both in terms of the playing squad and things off the field at Bramall Lane.
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So, with that in mind, SheffieldUnited.News writer Lee Connor took a look at where the Blades might choose to invest their money.
Players – Strength in depth needed
It’s already likely that the club will move to sign both Panos Retsos and Richairo Zivkovic on permanent deals. Both of those will mean the club having to part ways with decent sums of money.
As for the rest of the squad, a new goalkeeper could be a must. If Dean Henderson doesn’t make a return, it’s then highly-likely that Chris Wilder will venture into the market for new, proven number one.
United could be in the hunt for a new goalkeeper if Dean Henderson does not return. (Photo by Ben Early – AMA/Getty Images)
In addition to that, David McGoldrick and Billy Sharp are now into their 30s. A new forward could well be a priority, especially given the fact United’s top scoring striker this season is Lys Mousset with just five goals.
Court case obligations
Of course, the obvious big splash could be Prince Abdullah purchasing the club’s assets from former owner, Kevin McCabe.
The now sole-owner of the Blades needs to find around £50m to buy out McCabe. Whether he uses the money generate here or his own funds is something that remains to be seen.
Bramall Lane and match day
It goes without saying that Bramall Lane needs some improvements. While the club have invested bits in recent years at the ground, there are other parts which need looking it.
One of the biggest issues is the two long-standing poles on the Kop. As United continue to develop as a global club, they’ll need to come up with a way of getting rid of these poles which offer some supporters a restricted view.
Bramall Lane could do with some investment as Sheffield United look set to pocket around £200m. (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Furthermore, improvements are needed when it comes to services within the ground. Obviously it’s going to be busy but there simply doesn’t seem to be enough kiosks, toilets, or food outlets for fans. This will come down to planning and available space, of course, but is definitely something that needs addressing.
Money has been spent in recent times on a new pitch, big screen, and an improved club shop. The Blades are going in the right direction and now need to just press on.
A potential new training ground?
Chris Wilder has spoken a number of times about improving the facilities for his players and staff. While he enjoys some of the old-school vibes about the current set-up, he insists the club needs to move forward.
Murmurings have already been doing the rounds about a new site for the academy and training ground. The current base up at Shirecliffe could well become redundant if Wider gets his way.
