Sheffield United should make shock player u-turn 12 months after Bramall Lane exit | OneFootball

Sheffield United should look to re-sign Miguel Freckleton from St Mirren this summer amid interest from Austrian champions LASK

Sheffield United head into the 2026 summer transfer window looking not to make similar mistakes to 12 months ago, as Chris Wilder can begin the Blades' summer business by righting one of their wrongs of last year.

Indeed, the 2025 summer window at Bramall Lane, by pretty much all accounts, was a disastrous one.

Former Reading and Hull City boss Ruben Selles replaced Chris Wilder at the helm following Sheffield United's play-off final defeat to Sunderland, as the club implemented a data-led recruitment model targeting undervalued talent from abroad.

The likes of Nils Zatterstrom, Mihail Polendakov, Djibril Soumare, and Ehije Ukaki all joined from clubs across Europe to exemplify their new transfer strategy, whilst Tahith Chong and Mark McGuinness were brought in from relegated Luton Town, and Tyler Bindon and Louie Barry were signed on loan, having played under Selles elsewhere previously.

Almost every single one of them was a miss rather than a hit, as Selles lasted just six games, leaving Wilder with a large portion of the squad that wasn't his, as 11 players have already exited the club this summer under his watch.

The 58-year-old will be keen to re-establish his authority on the squad this summer, and should look to re-sign a former Blade who followed him out the exit door just last summer.

Sheffield United should look to re-sign St Mirren defender Miguel Freckleton this summer amid LASK interest

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Heading into next season, Sheffield United's squad will almost certainly look completely different.

Of those 11 players that have left the club this summer, two of those were left-footed centre-backs Ben Mee and Leo Hjelde, who managed just 23 league appearances between them at Bramall Lane last season, so won't be a huge miss.

However, this leaves just Japhet Tanganga, McGuinness, and Zatterstrom as the club's only central defensive options heading into next season, with Bindon also returning to Nottingham Forest following the completion of his loan spell.

Leicester City defender Harry Souttar has been loosely linked with a return to the club, having spent six months on loan in South Yorkshire during the 2024/25 campaign before picking up an injury, as Wilder will be well aware of the Blades' need for defensive reinforcements over the coming weeks and months.

Following Wilder out of the exit door last summer was 22-year-old defender Miguel Freckleton, who joined Scottish top-flight side St Mirren on a two-year deal for a six-figure fee.

Freckleton had spent his entire professional career contracted to the Blades prior to his move north of the border, spending time out on loan with Wealdstone, Yeovil Town, Chesterfield, and Swindon Town.

However, after a standout year in Renfrewshire, where he made 47 appearances in all competitions, helping St Mirren lift the Scottish League Cup for just the second time in their 148-year history, Freckleton has reportedly attracted interest from Austrian champions LASK, as per FootballInsider.

The left-footed defender would not break the bank for any club this summer, with just 12 months to go on his current terms in Scotland, as Sheffield United must join the race to bring him back to South Yorkshire this summer.

LASK are, at the very least, guaranteed a place in the UEFA Europa League group phase next season, but could well be playing in the UEFA Champions League if they are successful in their play-off match, presenting an attractive opportunity for Freckleton, and one that the Blades cannot compete with.

However, Wilder ought to offer the former Sheffield United defender, who failed to make a senior appearance for the club during his time in South Yorkshire, a starring role in the side next season in a bid to bring him back to the club.

Freckleton's preferred left foot makes him an ideal candidate to partner Tanganga in the heart of defence, and, unlikely to break the bank, he would be an excellent option, as the Blades must join LASK in the race for his signature before it becomes a sale they majorly regret further down the line.

Chris Wilder must ensure Sheffield United doesn't miss out on a potential bargain with Miguel Freckleton this summer

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With Freckleton having left the club without the sanction of Wilder, the 58-year-old ought to right one of the many wrongs of last summer by re-signing the defender.

At 22, Freckleton still has ample time to continue to develop, and having received regular first-team football at a high level last season, is ready to take the next step again, with LASK preparing to provide him with the chance to do so.

Sheffield United would be remiss to not try and bring him back to the club despite the Austrian champions' interest, as if he continues his trajectory, his sale may prove to be one they massively regret further down the line.

Wilder must try and do his best to ensure that isn't the case by joining the race this summer and offering Freckleton a route back to Bramall Lane to kickstart the Blades' summer arrivals.