Sheffield United will look at Hull City with real surprise - it’s not because of McBurnie or Egan | OneFootball

Hull City signed Regan Slater from Sheffield United in January 2022 for just £50k

It's been two completely different seasons for Sheffield United and Hull City, who have seemingly switched positions in comparison to last campaign.

Sheffield United began this campaign in horrendous fashion, with, incidentally, former Hull boss Ruben Selles losing all six of his opening fixtures for the Blades before his dismissal.

Meanwhile, despite the Tigers' transfer embargo, they have done anything but struggle, launching themselves into serious play-off contenders under the guidance of Bosnian boss Sergej Jakirovic.

It's a stark contrast from last year, where Sheffield United reached the play-off final against Sunderland after accumulating 90 points in the process and losing out on a place in the Premier League in the dying embers at Wembley.

Meanwhile, Hull's survival in the Championship went down to the final day, where a 1-1 draw away to Portsmouth was enough to see them retain their place in the second tier for another year, courtesy of Selles' leadership from the touchline.

Whilst the Blades have rescued themselves from a relegation battle, now, once again under Chris Wilder, they may not only be envious about Hull's current league position, but also over a deal the two clubs sanctioned back in January 2022.

Regan Slater joined Hull City from Sheffield United in an outstanding five-figure deal

There have been numerous high-profile players who have donned the colours of both Hull City and Sheffield United over the years, including the likes of Oli McBurnie, John Egan, Billy Sharp, Louie Barry, and John Lundstram.

However, Hull's £50,000 deal to bring Regan Slater to the MKM Stadium in January 2022 has arguably been one of their best pieces of business in recent memory, and certainly one that they can only benefit from.

Slater spent his entire youth career with the Blades, progressing through the ranks on his way to the first team, though he would play just three professional games for his boyhood club, spending time out on loan with Carlisle United, Scunthorpe United, and Hull before his permanent switch to the Tigers.

Since his move, Slater has been an almost ever-present in the midfield, whilst covering numerous positions such as right-back and left-back if required.

The Englishman currently has over 200 appearances for Hull across all competitions, and is well on his way to 250, becoming a key component in the side under an array of head coaches, including Jakirovic.

His small price tag is proving to be an absolute bargain by today's standards. With the 26-year-old approaching his prime years, Sheffield United must regret parting ways with their home-grown talent when they did, for as little as they did.

The Blades have struggled in the middle of the park all season, with each of Jairo Riedewald, Tom Davies, and Ollie Arblaster all suffering injuries, whilst Kalvin Phillips and Joe Rothwell's additions in January have only indicated Wilder's lack of trust in his current options.

Had they kept Slater a few years ago and developed him like Hull have, whether that was initially with another loan away before breaking into the first-team at Bramall Lane, he would likely have been a key cog in their midfield this season, and they must regret their decision to sell him now.

Sergej Jakirovic is massively benefiting from Hull City's transfer decision involving Regan Slater

Bosnian boss Jakirovic is the latest beneficiary of Hull's outstanding business to bring Slater to the club back in January 2022, with each of Shota Arveladze, Liam Rosenior, Tim Walter, and Ruben Selles all recognising his importance to the side previously.

Hull stand a serious chance of a first Premier League return since 2017 this season, with a spot in the top six within their grasp, and Slater has, and will continue to play a gargantuan part in that process.

Sheffield United may well be surprised to see just how well the Englishman has done since his permanent move away from Bramall Lane, having never staked a claim for a place in their first team during his tenure in South Yorkshire.

Though what is quite clearly the Blades' loss has been Hull's gain, and should the Tigers indeed fire themselves to the Premier League come May, Slater will have had a huge role to play in that success.

His energy and work rate would make Slater a sure-fire squad player in the top flight at the very least, should Hull get there, albeit there's a long way to go yet before that could happen - and it could leave Sheffield United even further bemused at their decision to sell him for so little.