After getting over the disappointment of losing in the Championship play-off final, EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal that Sheffield United are close to making their first summer acquisition.
Sheffield United’s defeat to Sunderland at Wembley Stadium was a painful pill to chew, but it has only spurred Chris Wilder and his players’ determination to seek automatic promotion in 2025/26.
To avoid the Championship next season, the Blades will need to strengthen several aspects of their squad, particularly in defence.
Chris Mepham, a Sunderland loanee, has been connected with Sheffield United throughout the summer window, as have Coventry City’s Jack Rudoni and QPR centre-back Jimmy Dunne.
Sheffield United are closing in on signing Jimmy Dunne.
After a fantastic season at QPR, Dunne has turned down a new deal with the London club and will become a Championship free agency.
Sheffield United attempted to recruit Dunne in January but were unsuccessful, but EFL Analysis can now exclusively reveal that the Yorkshire club is ‘moving ahead’ with their pursuit of the 27-year-old.
According to our Chief Football Correspondent, Graeme Bailey, the Blades are close to signing the Republic of Ireland international after having him on their radar for some time.
Dunne was outstanding defensively for the R’s in 45 Championship outings last season, and he also shown his aerial ability with five goals.
The former Burnley player has now earned the opportunity to play for a squad projected to compete for promotion in 2025/26, with United potentially getting a bargain.
Sheffield United are closing in on signing Jimmy Dunne.
After a fantastic season at QPR, Dunne has turned down a new deal with the London club and will become a Championship free agency.
Sheffield United attempted to recruit Dunne in January but were unsuccessful, but EFL Analysis can now exclusively reveal that the Yorkshire club is ‘moving ahead’ with their pursuit of the 27-year-old.
According to our Chief Football Correspondent, Graeme Bailey, the Blades are close to signing the Republic of Ireland international after having him on their radar for some time.
Dunne was outstanding defensively for the R’s in 45 Championship outings last season, and he also shown his aerial ability with five goals.
The former Burnley player has now earned the opportunity to play for a squad projected to compete for promotion in 2025/26, with United potentially getting a bargain.
Dunne’s statistics for QPR in 2024-25 Dunne has been a ‘quality’ servant for QPR, making 163 appearances and scored 11 goals since joining the club in 2021. The Irishman has grown into one of the division’s greatest centre-backs, and he will add significant talent to Wilder’s backline.
| Jimmy Dunne’s 2024/25 Championship stats |
| 45 appearances |
| 5 goals |
| 4 Team of the Weeks |
| 10 clean sheets |
| 5.5 clearances per game |
| 2.5 tackles per game |
| 3.4 balls recovered per game |
| 8.4 duels won per game (63%) |
Wilder, a rock at the heart of Marti Cifuentes’ defence who is also technically adept in possession, will be looking forward to working with Dunne as his move to Bramall Lane approaches.
Leave a Reply