Leeds United’s play-off final defeat to Southampton resulted in the sale of four important players to Premier League and Ligue 1 clubs, and Sheffield United is now in the similar situation.
Archie Grey has won the Europa League after joining Tottenham for £40 million from Leeds. Georginio Rutter cost the same after Brighton’s earlier bids of £29 million and £35 million were rejected down.
Crysencio Summerville cost West Ham £25 million initially, but that figure may climb to £34 million if £9 million in add-ons are met. Glen Kamara’s deal to Rennes has failed, with the player going on loan to Saudi club Al-Shabab.
Leeds were forced to sell and lose some of their top players in order to stay afloat, and Wilder and Sheffield United will now face the same fate, with Leeds likely to be lurking ahead of the summer transfer window.
Chris Wilder analyses the future of Sheffield United’s top players.
Few expected Sheffield United to lose to Sunderland, especially after Tyrese Campbell scored the opening goal. Sunderland won 2-1 at Wembley Stadium, thanks to late goals from Eliezer Mayenda and Tom Watson.
This means that Michael Cooper, Gustavo Hamer, Rhian Brewster, Vini Souza, and a slew of other outstanding players in red and white may be looking for new opportunities. Wilder discussed his summer exits with the Sheffield Star.
“As you can imagine, I’ve not thought about futures – personally, or from a player point of view – being an hour and a half after an incredibly low point of everybody’s careers, really,” Wilder told reporters following the game.
“The players, their supporters, and the coaching staff will all be devastated. But it is what it is, and we’ll have to deal with it,” Wilder said, predicting a challenging summer.
Which Sheffield United players may Leeds United currently consider?
The obvious choice is Hamer. Last July, Leeds submitted a £13 million bid for Hamer, which was rejected. Sheffield United then claimed Leeds had included Joel Piroe in a bid, although this was only to unsettle the striker.
Leeds still need a better no.10 than Brenden Aaronson, and the Championship Player of the Season will fill that role at Elland Road. Leeds also needs a custodian, and Cooper has been outstanding.
Junior Firpo is poised to go, and Harrison Burrows was selected ahead of him in the Championship Team of the Season, while Souza could provide the midfield toughness Leeds needs in the Premier League next season.
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