Ruben Selles’ Sheffield United transfer plan, as new Blades chief drops departure hints
Ruben Selles is looking forward to making his mark on Sheffield United’s squad after being named Chris Wilder’s replacement at Bramall Lane earlier this week. The Spaniard has made a rapid comeback to management after being fired by United’s Yorkshire rivals Hull City at the end of last season.
His hiring is expected to mark the start of a new era at Bramall Lane, with the Blades owners’ data-driven recruitment strategy at its core. The former Southampton and Reading manager’s level of involvement in incomings is still to be confirmed, with former poker player turned data analyst James Bord believed to have an influence on recruitment from his Las Vegas base.
But United don’t have much time to spare, having slipped weeks behind their Championship rivals in terms of preparing by making the play-offs and then being trapped in limbo while Wilder’s United future was decided.
Ruben Selles’ Sheffield United transfer intentions after exit hints released
When asked if he was looking forward to adding some fresh faces to the group he inherited from Wilder, the 42-year-old replied, “Yes, it’s always like that around this time of year, in the summer window. “Obviously, some of the contracts are expiring, and some players will be unable to join us for the upcoming season. Situations in the market. So we expect other players to join us and help us become even more competitive.”
Selles’ comments hint at some potential departures as he assesses his squad, with his mention of expiring contracts particularly interesting given that former Liverpool player Rhian Brewster is the only senior player whose current contract expires at the end of this month, with no indication as to whether he will stay at Bramall Lane.
Several players on Wilder’s shopping list this summer have already left or stayed with their present club, such defenders Harry Darling and Jimmy Dunne, although the Blades, as we reported yesterday, remain interested in former striker Oli McBurnie despite Wilder’s departure.
Whatever players Selles has at his disposal at the start of the season will have to sign up for his high-tempo style of play, which has already been recorded – and was described as “chaos” by former Wednesday loanee Harlee Dean, who played under Selles at Reading.
When United’s players return for pre-season training later this summer, they will get right to work, with a training camp in Girona also important as the Spaniard – who will be joined in Sheffield by No.2 James Oliver-Pearce and coach Tobias Loveland – tries to communicate his demands to his squad.
“It’s always a good time to spend some hours with them,” Selles told me. “To train in a calm atmosphere and spend time away from the pitch. Also, try to schedule extra meetings, either via video or just over coffee, to get to know each other a little better.”
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