Wilder Talks Transfer Latest As Deadline Looms | OneFootball

Sheffield United and Oxford United will finally lock horns under the lights at Bramall Lane on Tuesday evening.

The Blades come into the rearranged clash on the back of a gritty 1-1 draw away at Millwall on Saturday afternoon. It was a bruising, high-tempo contest at The Den, one that could easily have gone either way, and both sides would have felt they had done enough to take all three points.

Oxford United arrive in South Yorkshire having suffered a 2-0 defeat to Birmingham City at the weekend, but that result only tells part of the story. Prior to that loss, the U’s had put together a three-game unbeaten run, drawing against Bristol City and Queens Park Rangers before claiming an eye-catching victory away at Leicester City.

Chris Wilder Provides Injury Clarity

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – JANUARY 11: Chris Wilder, Manager of Sheffield United, looks on prior to the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Sheffield United and Mansfield Town on January 11, 2026 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Saturday’s trip to Millwall did, however, come at a cost for Sheffield United. Sam McCallum was forced off on a stretcher in worrying scenes, with Chris Wilder later confirming the full extent of the setback.

“He’s going to be out for potentially 8-10 weeks,” Wilder explained in his pre-match press conference. “He’s going to have a minor operation. We all knew straightaway that it wasn’t good for Sam and us especially with the way he’s been playing; he’s been outstanding this season.”

There was further concern when Tom Davies was withdrawn later in the game, though the United boss was keen to strike a more optimistic tone regarding the midfielder.

“He felt his hamstring. It was tight. Hopefully a precaution, we’re just waiting for the results of the scan,” Wilder said. “It didn’t look anything major. He won’t be involved against Oxford but fingers crossed it’s not going to be four, six, eight weeks.”

There is some good news this week however; both Japhet Tanganga and Djibril Soumare set to return after serving three-match suspensions, providing a timely boost to Wilder’s options.

Former Sheffield United Stopper Persuaded Leo Hjelde to Join Blades

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 24: Leo Hjelde of Sunderland celebrates victory and subsequent promotion to the Premier League following the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final match between Sheffield United and Sunderland at Wembley Stadium on May 24, 2025 in London, England. This weekend’s EFL play-off matches at Wembley will all kick-off one minute late, to raise awareness for the ‘Every Minute Matters’ campaign, which aims to encourage people to learn CPR. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

United also moved swiftly in the transfer market following McCallum’s injury, completing a deadline-day loan signing of defender Leo Hjelde from Sunderland. The 22-year-old offers cover on the left side, capable of playing both left-back and left centre-half, and is already a familiar figure to Blades supporters.

Hjelde made 19 appearances last season as Sunderland secured promotion to the Premier League at United’s expense, with his final outing coming as a late substitute in the play-off final at Wembley. Wilder is clearly a fan. “I like him, he’s a competitive boy,” Wilder said. “He gives us that vital cover and balance and good competition for Harrison now. Harrison’s got to step up to the plate… delighted to bring Leo in.”

The United boss also revealed that former Blades goalkeeper Simon Moore played a small role in persuading Hjelde to make the move, adding with a smile that Moore remains “a secret Blade at heart”.

Blades Boss on More Potential Incomings And Outgoings

Further business may yet be completed before the window shuts. Sheffield United’s reported move for Rangers midfielder Joe Rothwell is said to be gathering pace, with a medical already scheduled.

“Joe is in situ. Hopefully we can get that over the line,” Wilder confirmed. “He’s somebody that gives us that strength in depth in the midfield department. He’s someone I’ve liked for quite a long time.”

Despite interest elsewhere, Wilder was also keen to stress that the club are focused on building, not selling, even if late drama in the market can never be fully ruled out. “We don’t want to lose, we want to build,” he said. “There’s not been any [bids] that come anywhere near our valuations.”

While United’s focus will be on Tuesday evening’s clash with Oxford United at Bramall Lane, Monday night’s transfer deadline is absolutely crucial to Sheffield United’s season if they want to make a late charge for the top six.