New Sheffield United transfer update drops and it's clear what Chris Wilder wants | OneFootball

Sheffield United's transfer strategy has become a little clearer

Sheffield United are seeking improvements to the first team squad this summer as they look to get back into promotion contention.

The Blades were in the play-off final in 2025, but slipped into the bottom half of the Championship over the next 12 months.

Chris Wilder’s side finished 13th in the table, 13 points adrift of the top six, leaving them with a lot of work to do ahead of the new campaign to close that gap.

The Yorkshire outfit could be set for a very busy summer, with the players expected back for pre-season soon.

There are sure to be a lot of incomings and outgoings at Bramall Lane, particularly as it will be Wilder’s first real chance to make up for the disastrous transfer window from last year under Ruben Selles.

A number of key players were sold, such as Vini Souza and Anel Ahmedhodzic, who were not adequately replaced.

Action Images

It has been reported by The Star that Wilder is prioritising Championship experience as he eyes improvements to his Sheffield United squad.

The 58-year-old is particularly keen to bolster his backline, particularly due to the departures of Tyler Bindon, Ben Mee and Leo Hjelde.

However, Nils Zatterstrom is not set to be a part of his first team plans despite these exits, with the Swede available for sale again.

The centre-back made the move to Bramall Lane last summer as part of the club’s ill-advised first batch of players recruited by COH Sports.

He went out on loan to Genoa during the January market, with the deal including a buy option that will not be triggered.

However, the Italian club could still decide to come back in for him at a lower fee than the originally agreed option.

No names have yet emerged as a priority option for the Championship side, with uncertainty also surrounding the futures of Mark McGuinness after a difficult campaign with the club.

Sheffield United have been linked with Kalvin Phillips, who spent the second half of the season on loan from Manchester City.

Rapid Vienna’s Romeo Amane is also reportedly of interest to the Championship side, with midfield also an area being prioritised this summer.

The transfer window is officially open, but Sheffield United have yet to confirm any new additions to Wilder’s first team squad.

The Blades have until 1 September to complete any remaining transfer business before the market shuts.

Action Images

Sheffield United need defensive reinforcements

Japhet Tanganga is the only nailed-on starter that Sheffield United have at the moment that they’d be comfortable with going into next season.

Offloading Zatterstrom would be a positive piece of business, as it’s obvious that Wilder has no use for him as he didn’t give him a single appearance last season.

Championship experience is a sensible thing to prioritise given how things went last year, but they should also keep their eyes open for any opportunities abroad, as Sheffield United have had success there in the past.

With players back for pre-season soon, supporters will be hoping that Sheffield United pick up their transfer business quickly.