Sheffield United will be hoping to challenge for promotion from the Championship this season.
Sheffield United’s struggle last season was tremendously disappointing, as they were relegated from the Premier League after only one year in the top division, but they appear to be in a strong position to recover at the first attempt.
Despite the backdrop of major ownership uncertainty, the Blades had a busy summer, with 10 new players arriving at Bramall Lane, and manager Chris Wilder was able to bring in some high-profile signings.
Sheffield United’s summer additions
Player
From
Loan/Permanent
Michael Cooper
Plymouth Argyle
Permanent
Alfie Gilchrist
Chelsea
Loan
Harry Souttar
Leicester City
Loan
Sam McCallum
Norwich City
Permanent
Harrison Burrows
Peterborough United
Permanent
Jamie Shackleton
Leeds United
Permanent
Callum O’Hare
Coventry City
Permanent
Jesurun Rak Sakyi
Crystal Palace
Loan
Kieffer Moore
Bournemouth
Permanent
Tyrese Campbell
Stoke City
Permanent
It is largely acknowledged that United have one of the finest starting lineups in the division, as evidenced by their strong start to the season, but questions linger regarding the squad’s depth, which Wilder will be eager to address in January.
As the winter transfer window approaches, we looked at three individuals that should be on Wilder’s list of objectives.
Ronnie Edwards
The Blades have not been prolific scorers this season, with much of their success based on a strong defensive foundation.
Harry Souttar and Anel Ahmedhozdic have forged an extraordinarily strong centre-back partnership in the early weeks of the season, but United are limited on numbers in this position, which might be a concern if injuries and bans occur.
Southampton defender Ronnie Edwards, who joined St Mary’s from Peterborough United for £3 million this summer, might be a target for United.
Edwards established a reputation as one of the brightest talents in the EFL after starring for Posh, but he has yet to appear in the Saints’ Premier League matchday squad, and the 21-year-old will be concerned that he has not yet been given a chance, despite his team’s defensive issues.
At this point in his career, Edwards will not want to be sitting in the stands, so a loan move may be in the works for him in January. While he would attract a lot of interest if he were allowed to leave temporarily, his former Peterborough teammate Harrison Burrows could persuade him to make the move to Bramall Lane.
Edwards’ abilities as a ball-playing centre-back could make him an ideal fit for a Wilder squad, and he could surely compete with Souttar and Ahmedhozdic for a starting spot.
Ali Al-Hamadi
Given United’s midfield depth, it appears doubtful that they will attempt to strengthen in January, thus they may instead focus on their forward line.
The Blades have three senior attackers on their roster: Kieffer Moore, Rhian Brewster, and Tyrese Campbell, but the latter two are not known to be prolific scorers, and Moore has had a slow start at Bramall Lane.
With that in mind, Wilder may be looking to improve his attacking options, and Ipswich Town striker Ali Al-Hamadi is one player he could consider signing.
After a successful spell with AFC Wimbledon in League Two, Al-Hamadi moved to Portman Road in January, and while he was not a regular starter, he was an important member of the Tractor Boys’ squad as they won back-to-back promotions, scoring four goals and providing one assist in 14 appearances in the second half of last season.
Al-Hamadi appeared as a substitute in Ipswich’s first three Premier League games this season, but his playing time has been limited since George Hirst’s return from injury, casting doubt on his future with the club.
After demonstrating his abilities at the second division level last season, Al-Hamadi will undoubtedly have plenty of suitors in January, but his past promotion experience may make him a suitable match for United.
Will Lankshear
Another striker option for the Blades in January is Tottenham Hotspur’s Will Lankshear, who could be permitted to leave on loan during the winter window.
Lankshear has become more involved in Spurs’ first-team squad this season, starting in their 2-1 Europa League victory over Ferencvaros earlier this month, demonstrating Ange Postecoglou’s great regard for him, but he is yet to appear in the Premier League this season.
If Postecoglou is unsure whether Lankshear is ready for the top division, he could consider loaning him out to the Championship to give him vital senior experience.
Lankshear, like Al-Hamadi, will likely have plenty of interest if he becomes available, but United signed both Alfie Gilchrist and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi on loan from Premier League clubs this summer, showing that Wilder is clearly trusted with the development of young players, and that could help United win the race for 19-year-old
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