Sheffield United told to make £3m transfer decision - 'we have to' | OneFootball

Tom Cannon has struggled to hit the form he has previously shown to be capable of at Sheffield United

Sheffield United will still have one eye on a place in the top six this season despite an abysmal start to the campaign.

Having been minutes away from a penalty shootout to secure Premier League football last campaign, things at Bramall Lane have not gone to plan since their play-off final defeat at the hands of Sunderland last year.

Chris Wilder's dismissal proved to be the wrong decision, as his successor, Ruben Selles, lasted just six games in charge in South Yorkshire, all ending in defeat, before Wilder returned for his third separate stint in charge of Sheffield United.

The Blades have experienced an upturn in form since his return to the dugout, though they remain some way off the top six as things stand. Still, only a fool would count them out just yet.

Wilder, clearly not content with the sale of Kieffer Moore and the club's summer transfer business, decided to bring in former Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford on a free transfer to bolster the club's attacking ranks.

Both Tyrese Campbell and Danny Ings have struggled throughout this season to hit the back of the net consistently. However, it may be another one of their forward options who could depart the club this summer, having only signed for the club for an eight-figure fee just over a year ago.

Tom Cannon signed for Sheffield United for £10 million, yet has been touted to be sold at a fraction of that price this summer

It's been a tricky year or so for Tom Cannon, who joined Sheffield United in a £10 million deal from Leicester City in January 2025, having previously shone on loan with the likes of Preston North End and Stoke City.

The striker scored nine goals in 22 league games for the Potters in the first half of last campaign, but since his move to South Yorkshire, he has mustered up just five goals in over double the league games with the Blades.

Football League World's Sheffield United fan pundit, Jimmy, has provided their thoughts on whether the Blades should consider a summer sale of Cannon, and if so, how much they should realistically expect to receive for him.

Jimmy said, "I quite like Tom Cannon. I have to say it's not worked properly yet for him at United. I think there's a player there. He's done it at this level before.

"I don't know whether you have to play in a certain way to get the best out of him. I think he's looked at his best when he's been in a two with Patrick Bamford, but I also think Patrick Bamford brings the best out in players. So, tricky on Tom.

"I think if a decent bid comes in for anybody, we have to consider it, because we're not going to have parachutes next year. It's what do you class as a decent enough bid to let Tom Cannon go?

"I would say around £3 million will get the deal done, which is less than we paid for him, but I think that's a fair reflection on his output for Sheffield United.

"So yeah, I think if somebody comes in with around £3 million, then I'd take it. I don't think that'll happen, and I think he'll be with us next season.

Chris Wilder has yet to get the best out of Tom Cannon at Sheffield United

Indeed, things haven't exactly gone to plan for Cannon since his move to Bramall Lane.

His lack of form in front of goal has yielded just 15 starts in the league this season with the Blades, with Bamford more often than not being preferred over the Irish international as Wilder's sole centre-forward.

With Stoke, Cannon often played his best football alongside a focal point of attack; in this instance, it was Sam Gallagher, with the 23-year-old having netted four in one game against Portsmouth when partnered with Gallagher.

Whilst Bamford is capable of replicating a similar role, things just haven't panned out that way in South Yorkshire just yet.

Under contract until the summer of 2029, with an option to extend until 2030 if they so wished, it's almost certain that Sheffield United won't come anywhere close to recouping the £10 million they paid for him just over a year ago.

The likelihood is that he remains with the club beyond the summer, as Wilder will continue to try to get the best out of Cannon, who has previously shown his ability to hit the back of the net at this level in much weaker sides.

Still just 23, there is more than enough time for Cannon to come good, though Wilder and Blades fans alike will be hoping that he does sooner rather than later for everyone's benefit.