Sheffield United should look to rescue ex-Leeds striker after Bolton transfer collapse | OneFootball

Chris Wilder's Sheffield United should look to rescue ex-Leeds United striker Max Dean after seeing a transfer move to Bolton Wanderers collapse...

Sheffield United and Bolton Wanderers could both be linked by a transfer story involving former Leeds United striker Max Dean, with the tale potentially having yet another chapter to write.

Max Dean's proposed move to Bolton Wanderers collapsed late in the summer window after the Trotters failed to complete a deal with Gent, leaving the 22-year-old back in Belgium and seemingly down the pecking order.

The Bolton target came through the Leeds United ranks before moving to MK Dons, where the forward scored 20 goals in 43 appearances, and Gent subsequently signed him in 2024. Could Sheffield United now pursue a move?

Max Dean could give Chris Wilder a younger attacking option

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Bolton's interest in Dean was understandable. The striker has already shown he can score in the EFL, while his time at Gent has given him experience of a different style of football and European competition.

Interest from Bolton in Dean underlines just how far he has come over the past few seasons in Belgium. However, he possesses the athletic qualities that could make him a useful Championship forward, with his pressing, intensity, movement, and willingness to work out of possession standing out.

That is why Sheffield United should join Bolton in keeping tabs on his situation. Chris Wilder has traditionally liked having plenty of striking options available to him, wherever he has managed, and Dean could give him a younger, more athletic option within the pool at his current disposal.

A January loan would make sense if Gent remain reluctant to sell, while a permanent deal could also be considered if the finances at Bramall Lane allow. That said, Bolton are not the only Championship club to have been looking at Dean, but the Blades could be an intriguing destination.

Football League World previously exclusively reported that Championship rivals Millwall had registered an interest in the former Leeds academy star, so there are likely to be other suitors as well.

Max Dean would add another dimension to Sheffield United's attack

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Sheffield United already have plenty of different profiles up front. Patrick Bamford brings quality and experience but is now 33, while Tyrese Campbell is younger but has also struggled for consistent availability, with neither particularly free of injuries.

Tom Cannon has shown he can score goals in the Championship, although he has not reproduced that level consistently enough with the Blades. Jordan Ayew brings enormous experience but feels more like a short-term solution and somewhat of a panic signing recently, while Ryan One has not been part of the plans recently despite his age and potential.

Dean could offer something different — pace, intensity, pressing, and an eye for goal. With the Blades on nine league goals, only Preston North End, Derby County, Watford, Lincoln City, and Charlton Athletic have scored fewer. He has added to his 20 goals for MK Dons with the same number in 56 appearances for Gent.

Sheffield United need creativity as well in January

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Adding another striker would only solve part of Sheffield United's attacking problem. A forward can finish chances, but somebody still needs to create them, and that is where the summer departures have arguably hurt most.

Andre Brooks has moved to Norwich City and started well, Callum O'Hare is now at Wrexham, and Gus Hamer has returned to Coventry City. Those were major sources of creativity and progression for the Blades in 2025/26, and they have not been replaced convincingly enough.

The numbers underline the issue as well, with FotMob's data outlining that Sheffield United have generated only 7.7xG (expected goals) this season, with just three Championship clubs — Charlton, Watford and Blackburn Rovers — below them.

So while Dean could be an exciting addition, January 2027 should be about finding more creativity across the squad too. Wingers and attacking midfielders capable of carrying the ball, creating chances, and supplying the forwards may actually be more important than adding another number nine.

Dean would be a useful piece if they can beat Bolton or other Championship outfits to his services, but the Blades need to build the supply line around whoever leads the attack. That is vital to bring in as soon as possible.