Chris Wilder will lick his Sheffield United transfer lips at World Cup situation | OneFootball

Tahith Chong impressed for Curacao in their defeat to Germany, and Sheffield United will hope his performances at the World Cup attract interest.

Sheffield United are gearing up for a huge summer window, with Chris Wilder expecting to wheel and deal over the coming months.

Unlike some of their rivals, the Blades aren’t in a position to splash serious cash this summer, but some high-profile sales will help the budget that Wilder and the recruitment team can work with.

Gus Hamer is likely to command a decent fee, and Sydie Peck would fetch a substantial sum if he departs, with Wilder aware that he may need to cash in on at least one of his key men in order to fund the rebuild that he wants.

However, one player who may now be appearing on the radar of other clubs is Tahith Chong, with the Curaçao international having enjoyed a strong World Cup debut against Germany.

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Tahith Chong will be relishing World Cup opportunity after difficult season

There was a lot of optimism at Bramall Lane when Sheffield United sealed a deal for the versatile midfielder, as Chong had been one of few to impress for Luton in the Premier League, and it had been hoped a change of club could help him rediscover his best form.

Yet, there’s no getting away from the fact that Chong endured a poor first season with the Yorkshire outfit.

Of course, it was a difficult year for the club on the whole, but injuries, combined with the change in management, did not help Chong in particular.

Even when he had played, Chong didn’t get near his best, and he ended the season with no goals and one assist in 21 games.

With the former Man Utd man having signed a four-year contract, that is presumably on a decent salary, it’s hard to have envisaged any buyers coming in for Chong based on his Championship performances.

However, his display against Germany would’ve caught the eye of suitors. Even though Germany ultimately hammered Curaçao 7-1, Chong did show flashes of his ability.

It was an all-action display from Chong, who won 13 of his 17 duels, which was proof that he relished the physical side of the game, and generally came out on top.

On the ball, he was also a problem for Germany, completing five of his six dribbles, and that demonstrates what Chong was all about.

When he picked up the ball, he had one thought in his mind, which was to attack the opposition in a quick, direct manner, with Chong recording 15 carries. As well as that, he also helped Curaçao relieve pressure at times, winning eight fouls for his team.

Sheffield United will hope Tahith Chong continues to impress in the World Cup

From Sheffield United’s perspective, this is a win-win for them, as if Chong does continue to do well, he may return to Bramall Lane with a new-found confidence.

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More realistically, though, it could raise his profile for a summer move away.

Whilst clubs shouldn’t sign players based on a few games at a World Cup, the reality is that it’s the biggest platform on the globe, and, despite Curaçao’s heavy defeat, Chong showed he could mix it with some top, top players.

He didn’t look intimidated by the occasion, and he kept going even when the result was not in doubt.

Naturally, clubs will think if Chong can play like that against Germany, he will be worth considering, as he looks to find that level on a consistent basis.

So, Sheffield United will be hoping that Chong puts in two more eye-catching displays for his country, as it could generate interest from different clubs.

At the end of the season, it appeared as though the 26-year-old could be something of a problem for the club.

He was an example of the poor transfer window 12 months ago, and with years left to run on his contract, to go with an underwhelming season on the pitch, Chong was facing an uncertain future and appeared an expensive mistake.

Yet, things can change very quickly in football, and if Chong continues to make a positive impact on the biggest stage, he could secure a summer move, which would surely be a positive outcome for the player and Sheffield United.