Who will Sheffield United sign during the summer transfer window?

Sheffield United have a colossal recruitment job on their hands this summer as they attempt to rebuild a squad fit for promotion to the Championship.

The Blades need at least ten new players this summer after seeing last season’s loanees leave 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. If they fail to reach an agreement with the young striker, Sheffield United will receive compensation. Under the rules and regulations of both the Premier League and the English Football League (EFL), a club that signs an out-of-contract player under the age of 24 is required to pay compensation to the former club for the training and development of the player.

So, at worst, the club could see up to 15 players leave before anyone is sold. We know Cameron Archer will be sold back to Aston Villa thanks to a written agreement with the Villans. Additionally, Anel Ahmedhodzic and Vinicius Souza are highly likely to be sold to help finance this massive rebuild.

That would mean the Blades would have to bring in close to 20 new signings in the worst-case scenario, which is an extraordinary amount.

Realistic signings from Sheffield United in the summer transfer window

As this takeover news continues, the more pessimistic people will become. And because of the potential takeover, the recruiting team can identify players, but they can’t do much because they don’t know what funds they’re working with this summer.

However, the recruiting team will certainly be looking at some potential loan candidates and free agents at this point. The summer transfer window opens on June 14 and the Blades need to do business early if they are to have any chance of getting bodies through the door.

Free agent midfielder with Championship experience 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 leaving at the end of his contract.

Experienced players who have played in a lot of league games should be prioritized for midfield and defensive positions.

Alan Browne – Formerly of Preston North End

Alan Browne, who has made more than 340 league appearances for Preston North End, scoring 39 goals and providing 22 assists, is a potential free agent target.

Browne’s 35 caps for Ireland, along with his links to the Irish set-up, could prove beneficial for United. Keith Andrews, of the Blades’ management staff and former Republic of Ireland set-up, along with current Ireland captain John Egan, could help facilitate Browne’s move to Bramall Lane.

A reliable and versatile player, Browne has featured consistently 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 look at. The 29-year-old was born in South Yorkshire and, with his West Brom contract expiring, he may want to move closer to home. He is left-handed, so he would add that balance in the middle. And he played 322 league games during 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

Furthermore, 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 made 212 league appearances throughout his career.