Regardless of what happens at Wembley Stadium this Saturday, Sheffield United will be prepared for a busy and frantic summer in South Yorkshire.
If promotion from the Championship is achieved, Chris Wilder will need to bring in some exceptional new players to give his team a fighting chance of survival, while remaining in the second tier will present its own set of challenges in terms of players such as Gustavo Hamer potentially wanting to leave.
Jack Robinson appears to be a casualty regardless of whether promotion is achieved or not, given that the former Liverpool centre-back has yet to sign a new contract at Bramall Lane, and some disgruntled fans have pointed out numerous flaws in his performance this season.
As a result, one main objective this summer will be to bring in a new, intimidating presence to line up in the heart of defence, with these three prospective acquisitions being on Wilder’s shopping list, regardless of whether they’re heading to the Premier League or staying in the EFL.
Harry Souttar
Harry Souttar might return to United during the hectic month, having played 22 memorable games for the Blades this season before being sidelined by injury.
When he was fit, the 26-year-old fought bravely for the cause, averaging five duels won in 21 Championship contests and 13 clean sheets.
It would be a significant risk to re-sign the injury-ravaged defender, given that he is currently sidelined with a damaged achilles tendon, but there is unfinished business between Souttar and Wilder’s players, and he might be just what is needed once Robinson returns to full fitness.
Harry Darling
Swansea City’s Harry Darling is the buzz of the Championship right now, with the Welshman looking like he’ll be leaving soon.
Whoever signs the 25-year-old will also get his services for free, which has already aroused the curiosity of teams like Birmingham City, but United have long admired him and he might be a valuable addition to the squad if Robinson leaves.
| Darling’s league numbers (24/25) vs Robinson | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stat – per 90 mins* | Darling | Robinson |
| Games played | 39 | 34 |
| Goals scored | 5 | 0 |
| Assists | 3 | 0 |
| Touches* | 74.5 | 68.6 |
| Accurate passes* | 53.9 (88%) | 45.6 (86%) |
| Ball recoveries* | 3.9 | 3.4 |
| Clearances* | 5.0 | 4.8 |
| Total duels won* | 4.9 | 5.4 |
| Clean sheets | 12 | 12 |
| Stats by Sofascore | ||
According to the table above, Robinson outperforms Darling in terms of duels won this season, but the wantaway Swans defender appears to be more Premier League ready in most aspects than his seasoned rival.
Indeed, the “heroic” star, as he was previously praised by ex-boss Luke Williams, managed to chip in with five goals and three assists as a lively body at the back even as his current employers finished in 11th place, while also outperforming the 31-year-old in terms of average ball recoveries and clearances.
As a result, he could be ready for a move to Wilder’s side, given his proven track record as a top performer in the EFL with the ability to progress to Premier League level.
Jimmy Dunne
Similarly, adding Queens Park Rangers’ juggernaut Jimmy Dunne to their defensive choices would provide United with another elegant body to supplement the imposing figures of Robinson and Anel Ahmedhodzic.
The Blades were allegedly interested in Dunne’s services in January, and given Swansea’s mid-table position, a transfer to United would probably be more enticing for the Irishman than staying with the lesser Hoops.
With Dunne also capable of delivering moments of magic like this, he might be the bold new alternative that jeopardises Robinson’s place on the first team.
Winning an average of 8.4 duels this season, the 27-year-old may further apply himself as a gritty presence, potentially forming an imposing defensive tandem with the aforementioned Ahmedhodzic.
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