Sheffield United backed to seal ‘sensible’ Oxford United transfer if Sydie Peck leaves | OneFootball

FLW’s Sheffield United fan pundit has commented on who he would like to see join should Sydie Peck depart Bramall Lane.

Sheffield United will be accelerating plans ahead of the 2026-27 Championship campaign as they look to put a rather dismal previous one behind them.

The Blades started off the 2025-26 term in worrying fashion by occupying the foot of the table under former Hull City boss Ruben Selles, with Chris Wilder returning to the club to help push them away from the relegation mire.

While they achieved that, the Yorkshire outfit failed to kick on any further under his guidance, still showing worrying inconsistencies, which resulted in the club securing a mid-table position of 13th.

Meanwhile, the club will find it tougher to get back to the top end of the Championship standings as they prepare for a rebuild this summer due to the loss of parachute payments by the Premier League.

And those financial restrictions have been seen over the course of the summer transfer window so far, with the Blades only bringing in two players, with defender Matt Doherty linking up on a free transfer, while 19-year-old winger Romelle Donovan has moved to the Steel City on loan from Premier League outfit Brentford.

United may well be busy during the latter stages of the window though, particularly if star player Sydie Peck departs Bramall Lane.

With this in mind, FLW’s Sheffield United fan pundit has identified a midfielder the Yorkshire outfit should attempt to sign, in the event that Peck leaves before the 1st September deadline.

Previous interest in Sheffield United’s Sydie Peck

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21-year-old Sydie Peck had made just three senior appearances ahead of the Blades' return to the second tier in 2024, but has missed just eight league outings in the last two terms, as well as donning the captain’s armband at certain points too.

The former Arsenal academy man has been touted for a return to the capital though, with recently-relegated West Ham interested, as per the Athletic, alongside Premier League clubs Brentford and Nottingham Forest.

Sheffield United backed to move for Cameron Brannagan to replace Sydie Peck

Speaking to Football League World, Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy (AKA Blades Ramble) has backed the Blades to make a move for Oxford United captain Cameron Brannagan to replace Sydie Peck, believing it would be a ‘sensible’ addition and one that would give ‘brilliant balance’ into their midfield.

Jimmy told FLW: “I’m going to be sensible with this, and rather than a dream signing I’m going to go with a realistic signing.

“Someone we haven’t been linked with is Cameron Brannagan at Oxford. He would, in my opinion, add the brilliant balance in midfield that we need in the middle.

“We haven’t really got a ball winner, someone who’s aggressive in there, and he would complement what we have, particularly if we lose Sydie Peck.

“There’s obviously other players that fit the bill, there are players that are of a higher profile that I would like to see as well, but I think if we’re going for a realistic target, then there’s Cameron Brannagan.

“He brings leadership, he’s the captain of Oxford, they’ve just gone down so they’re in financial trouble, so I think it’s a deal we could do, and I’d like to see it.”

Sheffield United should hand Championship route back to Cameron Brannagan

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If there’s an area Sheffield United will need some extra quality, it’s in the heart of midfield, and there aren’t many better players to look for when financially restricted than Cameron Brannagan.

The Manchester-born midfielder notched six goals and three assists for the U’s last season and was a consistently positive presence in their midfield, but after relegation back down to League One and playing a part in eight campaigns at the Kassam Stadium, it may well be time for a new challenge.

Brannagan would add fierce grit, determination as well as quality on the ball in a Blades shirt, should he make the move, with the 30-year-old capable of either finding a key pass to unlock a defence or threatening moments of brilliance from long shots outside the box.

Brannagan’s multiple assets in midfield have been a big part of why he has transitioned into being club captain at Oxford, but after his previous two seasons in the Championship, it’s clear this is the level he should continue to play at.

From Sheffield United’s perspective, a deal could be affordable too, particularly with Oxford not in a strong position following their relegation and the need for additional funds to sustain a promotion push back in the third tier.

It’s certainly a signing that would benefit the Blades ahead of next season, and it will be intriguing to see whether the club have Brannagan on their shortlist, should midfield reinforcements be required.