How Sheffield United’s 2025/26 Summer Departures Are Faring Away From Bramall Lane | OneFootball

After falling heartbreakingly short in the 2024/25 Championship play-off final, losing 2-1 to Sunderland in the dying minutes, Sheffield United entered the summer of 2025 facing a major rebuild as well as uncertainty.

The disappointment of missing out on promotion saw several key players move on, while the club attempted a surprising tactical reset and brought in inexperienced Championship boss Ruben Selles.

That experiment, however, quickly unravelled. Five games into the new Premier League campaign, United sat rock bottom without a point or identity, forcing COH Sports to bring Chris Wilder back to Bramall Lane less than 100 days after his dismissal. One win in four under the returning manager has steadied little, and the Blades still look a shadow of the side that stormed to 90 points last term. And the underlying data this season paints an equally grim picture as they have barely improved under Wilder.

Sheffield United Still Searching For Improvement

Under Selles, Sheffield United looked toothless for the most part. His side averaged just 44.8% duel success, one of the lowest figures in the division.

Across his five league games, Bristol City, Swansea City, Millwall, Middlesbrough, and Ipswich Town, United averaged: 64 final-third entries per match, 32 penalty-area entries per match, and nine key passes per match. Since Wilder’s return, the numbers suggest only a marginal improvement, if any at all.

It’s worth noting that Selles faced a far tougher run of fixtures. In contrast, Wilder’s four opponents included two pre-season relegation candidates, a Hull side with the second-worst defensive record in the league, and a struggling Saints team still finding its rhythm. Even so, Wilder’s version of the Blades has delivered mixed results: 50.4% duel success, 66 final-third entries per game, 36 penalty-area entries per game, and six key passes per match.

Perhaps most shockingly, despite the drop in opposition quality, United’s defensive structure has numerically regressed since Wilder’s return. For all the criticism levelled at Selles’ tactics, the Spaniard’s side at least managed to contain transitions more effectively than the current Wilder side.

Meanwhile, many of those who left South Yorkshire in the summer are finding their feet elsewhere. Here’s how the summer’s departures are faring away from Bramall Lane.

How Sheffield United’s 2024/25 Summer Departures Are Getting On At Their New Clubs

Vinicius Souza – VfL Wolfsburg (€15 million)

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 10: Vinicius Souza of Sheffield United reacts after he challenges Yan Valery of Sheffield Wednesday during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United FC and Sheffield Wednesday FC at Bramall Lane on November 10, 2024 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images)

Vinicius Souza was one of Sheffield United’s standout performers last season, his aggression and control from deep forming the heartbeat of Wilder’s midfield. His €15 million move to Wolfsburg was seen as a deserved step up, but in Germany, he’s being moulded into something new.

Rather than anchoring the midfield, the 26-year-old has been deployed higher up the pitch, acting as a link between midfield and attack. His energy and pressing intensity have impressed, though he’s yet to register a goal or assist in six Bundesliga starts, though it’s a different role for a player whose natural instincts are of a defensive midfielder.

Anel Ahmedhodzic – Feyenoord (€10 million)

LUTON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 15: Anel Ahmedhodzic of Sheffield United celebrates the win at the end of the game the Sky Bet Championship match between Luton Town FC and Sheffield United FC at Kenilworth Road on February 15, 2025 in Luton, England. (Photo by)

Anel Ahmedhodzic’s exit to Feyenoord left a gaping hole in the Blades’ defence. The Bosnian defender joined the Dutch club for around €10 million and has already made a strong impression.

With seven league starts and four clean sheets to his name, Ahmedhodzic has slotted seamlessly into their high line. Feyenoord sit top of the Eredivisie, three points clear of PSV, and though both of his Europa League appearances ended in defeat, his aerial presence and composure have stood out.

Kieffer Moore – Wrexham (£2 million)

CARDIFF, WALES – DECEMBER 21: Kieffer Moore of Sheffield United celebrates with team-mates after scoring the opening goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Cardiff City FC and Sheffield United FC at Cardiff City Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Kieffer Moore’s summer transfer to Wrexham raised eyebrows, but it’s proving a masterstroke for the ambitious Welsh club. The £2 million deal, reported by Sky Sports, has seemingly paid off for the Welshman.

With five goals in ten appearances in all competitions, the 6’5″ target man has become the focal point of Wrexham’s push to consolidate in the Championship. His scoring tally already eclipses Sheffield United’s total goals this season, underlining the Blades’ current struggles in front of goal and the physical void he’s left behind.

Jack Robinson – Birmingham City (Undisclosed)

A stalwart of both the Paul Heckingbottom and Wilder era, Jack Robinson departed late in the window to join Birmingham City. He’s since started three Championship games, helping the Blues to one clean sheet, but picking up one red card along the way.

His experience and bite have been welcome additions to Birmingham’s backline, but the disciplinary edge that often split opinions at Bramall Lane hasn’t disappeared. That being said, it’s noticeable that United’s side have lacked that aggressive edge since his departure.

Rhys Norrington-Davies – Queens Park Rangers (Loan)

After enduring a torrid last few years in red and white, and some harsh criticism from sections of the United fanbase, Rhys Norrington-Davies took a loan move to Queens Park Rangers to reset his career.

In five Championship appearances so far, the Welsh international has helped QPR to a pair of clean sheets and is earning plaudits for his energy and overlapping runs.

Rhian Brewster – Derby County (Free Transfer)

Released in the summer after failing to agree new terms, Rhian Brewster opted for a fresh start at Derby County. Sadly, injuries continue to haunt him.

The 25-year-old has managed just one start and two substitute appearances, but encouragingly, he’s already found the net once in the Championship. Brewster’s ability has never been in doubt, but his fitness will decide whether this latest chapter finally unlocks his potential. Though, as of now, he seems to be facing more of the same struggles which hindered his Sheffield United career: injuries.

Sheffield United’s: Missing Core

HULL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 13: Anel Ahmedhodzic of Sheffield United reacts with teammate Vinicius Souza following the Sky Bet Championship match between Hull City AFC and Sheffield United FC at MKM Stadium on September 13, 2024 in Hull, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Between them, Souza, Ahmedhodzic, and Moore formed the spine of Sheffield United’s late-season surge last year as they looked to gain momentum heading into the play-offs in their 4-4-2 shape. The trio were strong, experienced, and physically imposing players who embodied the fight that nearly earned promotion.

It’s quite evident that their absence is being felt deeply in a side that currently lacks those same attributes. While their careers are moving forward elsewhere, the Blades are still searching for balance with their new-look squad in Wilder’s third spell at the football club.