"If I'm being picky"- Tom Cannon and Mikey Johnston named in Sheffield United transfer verdict | OneFootball

Sheffield United had an impressive summer transfer window - but they could have signed both Tom Cannon and Mikey Johnston

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Sheffield United enjoyed a largely positive and productive summer transfer window amid trying circumstances, although they missed out on the signatures of both Tom Cannon and Mikey Johnston to Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion respectively.

With the club's ongoing takeover proving initially restrictive alongside attempting to offset a squad exodus which culminated in no less than 20 player departures, the Blades were very much up against it across the summer.

However, few could contest that Chris Wilder's squad is now even better than the one he was relegated from the Premier League with.

Given their recent top-flight status, United have been touted among the promotion favourites for the 2024/25 campaign and offered a clear outline of their intentions by bringing in the likes of Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, Michael Cooper, Harrison Burrows, Kieffer Moore and Callum O'Hare.

However, they did miss out on a selection of transfers which would have only provided further credence to their promotion-chasing credentials. Tom Cannon was a reported target prior to his deadline day loan switch to Stoke City while Mikey Johnston had been linked to a move to Bramall Lane from Celtic before returning West Bromwich Albion instead, having enjoyed a spectacular five-month loan spell in the Midlands last term.

Sheffield United transfer window verdict offered

Football League World'sSheffield Unitedfan pundit Jimmy believes that the window was overwhelmingly positive for his side, although he would have liked to see the additions of Cannon and Johnston.

"We did really well this summer, we got a lot of the signings we needed," Jimmy explained to Football League World.

"People are concerned that we haven't quite got the depth required but the job was so big, 20 players left. We brought 10 in, a lot of those are starters, we've got a young number one goalkeeper [Cooper from Plymouth Argyle] - one of the best goalkeepers in the division - a great young left-back as well [Burrows], we're solidifying these positions for years to come.

"We've hit all the right notes in terms of where we wanted to sign. I think if I'm being picky, and this is only being greedy, if you look at the players we were linked with then we could've done with Tom Cannon as another striker option.

"I think we're slightly lacking there, although Tyrese Campbell is looking better and better all the time as he returns to fitness.

"And Mikey Johnston, who has gone to West Brom, looks like he might've got away from us. He'd be a legitimate left-winger as opposed to Gus Hamer on the left.

"I'm not suggesting at all that you drop Gus because he's brilliant, but he's not a left-winger and Johnston might have offered us that traditional left-wing role to give us a bit of balance in the side."

Mikey Johnston would have been more essential at Sheffield United than Tom Cannon

When used correctly and consistently, Cannon is a real asset at Championship level who can inflict serious damage with his pace in behind and goalscoring instincts. He showed as much while on loan with Preston North End two seasons ago, and the widespread interest in his signature across the division this summer was indicative of the talent he possesses.

Another striking addition would not have hurt the Blades, but they are already somewhat well-stocked at the top-end of the pitch. Moore should be Wilder's first-choice option providing he avoids injury and Campbell represents strong strength in depth, whereas Rhian Brewster appears to be third-in-command and needs to have a significant season.

It is unlikely that Leicester would have been willing to loan Cannon out to a club where a regular starting berth simply could not be guaranteed, and missing out on Johnston feels like a much bigger loss for United.

Johnston is a dynamic and direct left-winger who lit up the Hawthorns last season and also provides a serious goal threat. United lack that on the left-hand side at the moment and will likely be reassessing their options in January, but the fact Johnston scored seven times in the second half of the previous season and has moved to a potential promotion rivals shows how much of a loss it is.