How Sheffield United could save £20,000 p/w on wages in January 2026 | OneFootball

Sheffield United could free up some wages if they let these two players go in the upcoming January transfer window

There's plenty of expectation that there'll be player turnover at Sheffield United in the upcoming January transfer window.

Chris Wilder inherited a squad which underwent a bit of a disastrous summer window during the short reign of Ruben Selles, and the popular Blades manager has spoken recently about how he's put forward ideas and has his sights set on who he can bring in.

With that, you'd expect, would come some player departures, and while the likes of Louie Barry, Ben Godfrey, and maybe even Tyler Bindon may be heading back to their parent clubs after some unproductive loan spells, perhaps some sales and loan outgoings should be in the pipeline, too.

After all, if the Blades are to improve their squad for a play-off push in the second half of the campaign, they'll need to free up some wage space, and here's how they can free up £20,000 per week.

Jamie Shackleton

Jamie Shackleton's career at Bramall Lane hasn't yet left the blocks due to several injury setbacks and fitness problems.

He managed just 12 appearances in his debut campaign, which ended in December due to a foot injury, which caused him to miss the majority of the remainder of the season, only returning as an unused substitute for the play-off semi-final first leg against Bristol City.

Then, this season, he's had even more setbacks, and there'll be some wondering if it may be worth looking elsewhere for a versatile midfielder who can also operate at the back, especially given that the 26-year-old hasn't shown much Premier League quality in his career, which is ultimately where the Blades want to end up playing come August.

If he were to be sold this January, Capology estimates that Sheffield United would be able to free up £7,500 per week in wages.

This may be useful in helping to attract an exciting youngster who may have a higher ceiling than Shackleton, and could fill his shoes with being a helpful back-up.

Nils Zatterstrom - loan

While Shackleton may be angling for a permanent switch, Nils Zatterstrom may be looking to depart on a short-term deal this January, as he only just arrived at Bramall Lane in the summer.

Zatterstrom arrived from Malmö for a reported £2.8 million, but unlike the likes of Barry or Godfrey, who were big features under Ruben Selles but fell away when Chris Wilder returned, the 20-year-old hasn't had a look-in under either manager.

The exciting young Swedish U21 international has big potential and broke into the Malmö side as a teenager before his switch to the Championship, so perhaps a loan deal, either to a fellow second-tier outfit or abroad, where the team loaning him in pays all of his wages, would be a good way to free up some space while also ensuring he remains at Bramall Lane in the future.

Capology estimates that Zatterstrom is earning £12,500 per week. Currently, the 20-year-old is just picking up his wage without much action, which is a bit of a waste for Sheffield United right now, so moving that on would be an ideal scenario.

If both he and Shackleton depart this January, that's £20,000 that can be used more wisely to bring in someone, either on loan or permanent, who'd be ready to hit the ground running and be more of use to a side wanting to get in the top six come May.