Derby County should swoop as Chris Wilder drops Sheffield United transfer bombshell | OneFootball

Derby County should pounce on the situation developing at Sheffield United with Mark McGuinness

Derby County narrowly missed out on a play-off place last season and will be hoping to compete for promotion in 2026/27.

The Rams finished eighth in the table, four points adrift of the top six in what was just their second year back in the Championship.

John Eustace’s side will be targeting another top eight finish in the upcoming campaign due to the play-offs expanding to include two more teams.

The Derbyshire outfit haven’t competed in the Premier League since 2008, but fans will be hoping that a strong summer transfer window can help set the squad up for a promotion push over the next 12 months.

While they will face competition from obvious sources such as West Ham, Wolves, Burnley, Southampton and Middlesbrough, the top eight battle will see several other clubs in the hunt.

The likes of Norwich City, Wrexham and Birmingham City will be in the mix, and Chris Wilder will also be hoping to bring Sheffield United back into contention.

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Derby should be on high alert following Wilder’s latest comments regarding Mark McGuinness’ future at Bramall Lane.

The 58-year-old has opened the door for the centre-back to depart the club after struggling for game time with the Blades last season, suggesting that McGuinness is keen to go elsewhere and play regularly.

"I think they'll be takers for both," said Wilder, via The Star.

"They've played or been involved in pre-season. They understand it, their agents understand it, and they're working hard on it.

“Nils [Zetterstrom] is a young player, but he needs football.

"Both of the boys' attitudes in pre-season have been outstanding, but sometimes there are decisions that you have to make.

“They all want to go and play first-team football as well.

“Mark never came here not to be involved, and Nils wanted to push to get into the first team.”

The centre-back made 25 appearances in the Championship last season, including 21 starts, after signing from Luton Town near the end of the summer window.

He was signed under Ruben Selles, and he gradually fell down the pecking order following Wilder’s return to the club last September.

But this opportunity to sign him is one that Derby should be considering, as he would be a smart option to bolster their backline for the new campaign.

The Rams have Sondre Langas and Matt Clarke as their main options, with Dion Sanderson also available, so defensive reinforcement is definitely needed, particularly with Clarke’s injury history.

What Mark McGuinness can bring to Derby County

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McGuinness has plenty of Championship pedigree from his time at Cardiff City and Luton Town, as well as last season at Sheffield United.

The centre-back has made 151 appearances in the second division at the age of 25, and has room to still grow as a player in the right environment.

McGuinness is also comfortable in possession, which makes him a valuable asset in the modern game, and he is suited to that style of play utilised under Eustace.

The Sheffield United player is also a strong presence in the air, winning 5.14 aerial duels per 90 last year at a rate of 67.3 per cent (all stats from Fotmob).

And this translates to him being a threat in the opposition box as well, with the 25-year-old getting 2.54 touches in that area per 90 last season.

Given Wilder has been so clear about his availability on the market, it’s easy to assume that he won’t be the most expensive signing either.

While Clarke was capable of 45 appearances in the league last season, having an adequate back-up, and/or competition, for his position would be a sensible use of Derby’s resources this summer.