Chris Wilder tipped to make Sheffield United change after Callum O'Hare news | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit has given his verdict on the decision to sell Callum O'Hare without signing a replacement

Sheffield United agreed to the sale of Callum O’Hare in the final hours of the summer transfer window.

The playmaker made the switch to Championship rivals Wrexham on deadline day in a deal worth a reported £6.5 million, becoming yet another big-money exit at Bramall Lane in the summer window.

The 28-year-old spent two seasons at the Blades following a free transfer move from Coventry City, making 92 league appearances in total for the club, contributing with 11 goals and 14 assists.

His departure will come as a big blow for Chris Wilder’s side, who were unable to secure a replacement before the market closed on Tuesday night.

It was a tricky summer for the Blades, where funds were limited even with major player sales like Gustavo Hamer and Andre Brooks going in the earlier stages of the window.

However, the South Yorkshire outfit have made a positive start to the new Championship campaign, winning one and drawing three times in their four fixtures as they look to get back into contention for promotion to the Premier League.

Sheffield United system change may be coming thanks to Callum O'Hare exit

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When asked about the decision to sell O’Hare without securing a replacement, FLW’s Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy from The Blades Ramble YouTube channel, claimed that it was really disappointing, but that he understands the business behind it.

He expects Wilder’s side to now move closer to a 4-4-2, and is optimistic that the 28-year-old’s departure will open up opportunities for other players in the squad to step up in his place.

Jimmy told Football League World.

“I think everybody at the club will be disappointed collectively we’ve not been able to get a replacement in.

“I understand why the club took the deal, it’s good money.

“We are now within our squad cost ratio limits, which has largely what’s governed our transfer window unfortunately.

“And that’s the price we’re paying, but to not have a replacement for Callum O’Hare, it does give opportunities to others in the squad, but we will have to change how we play, most likely.

“I’d expect us to probably go 4-4-2 more often, which we plan around a 4-2-3-1, but this is the situation we’re in as a club.

“So far, so good, undefeated as we speak.”

O’Hare signed from Coventry in the 2024 summer transfer window following United's relegation from the Premier League.

He was a key figure in the side as the Blades earned a place in the 2025 Championship play-off final, where they lost 2-1 to Sunderland.

The Blades fell to 13th in the table last season, but O’Hare had the most prolific second tier campaign in his career, scoring on eight occasions.

Sheffield United’s funds were limited during the summer window, but they still brought five players to the club, including the return of Kalvin Phillips on loan from Manchester City.

Ben Brereton Diaz also re-signed with the Blades on loan, arriving from Southampton, with Romelle Donavon also joining temporarily from Brentford.

Meanwhile, Hamza Choudhury and Matt Doherty both completed permanent deals, with the midfielder being another returning player after a previous loan stint during 2024/25.

Chris Wilder must feel frustration over non-replacement of Callum O'Hare

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O’Hare was a key player for Wilder last season, so losing him without anyone coming in is a really big blow for the side, and he must feel slightly unbacked by the ownership of the club after not landing a replacement.

Other players will have to step up, particularly when it comes to adding goals to the side, as the attacker chipped in with some important goals for the Blades.

The return of Brereton Diaz could alleviate the problem of losing O’Hare to some degree, but he will really need to rediscover his consistency in front of goal.

Even before O'Hare's exit to Wrexham, Wilder was playing a 4-4-2 formation, which perhaps didn't bring out the best of the playmaker out on the left flank - he's primarily a number 10, and if United's boss wants to go back to a 4-2-3-1, then he doesn't really have that attacking midfielder now on the books to play that system.