Sheffield United must sort Leicester transfer out ASAP after World Cup evidence | OneFootball

Sheffield United must look to re-sign Harry Souttar from Leicester City this summer following his epic performance for Australia at the World Cup

Sheffield United are set to endure a huge summer transfer window, having already seen as many as ten players depart the club, as Chris Wilder looks to re-stamp his authority on the Blades squad.

When Sheffield United fell at the final hurdle, losing the Championship play-off final in 2025 to Sunderland in the dying embers, it signified a switch in outlook from the club's hierarchy, especially in terms of recruitment.

Wilder had been given a large say in the transfer business during both of his spells at Bramall Lane, but as the Blades sought to adopt a new data-led recruitment model, the 58-year-old was dismissed and replaced by Ruben Selles, who oversaw the club's summer business.

The likes of Mark McGuiness and Tahith Chong were signed from Luton Town following the Hatters' relegation, Louie Barry and Tyler Bindon joined on loan, having both previously worked under Selles, and Mihail Polendakov, Christian Nwachukwu, and Ehije Uhaki all joined from Bulgaria as part of their data-led recruitment change.

To say it was a disaster would be an understatement, as Selles was dismissed after just six games, losing each, whilst Wilder was brought back just months after his initial dismissal, tasked with picking up the pieces of a destructive summer window.

Having guided the club to 13th, Wilder will be keen to start afresh ahead of next season, and will once again be looking to stamp his authority on the Blades squad, and should consider re-signing a former loan star following his performance for his national side at the World Cup.

Sheffield United must look to re-sign Harry Souttar following stellar Australia performance

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Outgoings at Bramall Lane have already been aplenty in recent weeks, with each of Tyler Bindon, Kalvin Phillips, Ki-Jana Hoever, Chiedozie Ogbene, Djibril Soumare, and Leo Hjele returning to their parent clubs from their loan spells, whilst each of Ben Mee, Danny Ings, Jairo Riedewald, and Tom Davies has all been released following the end of the deals.

Wilder is clearly not messing around when it comes to reshaping his Blades squad over the coming months, and will likely need their wage bill to continue decreasing further following the loss of parachute payments.

With Bindon, Hjelde, and Mee all departing, this leaves just Japhet Tanganga and Mark McGuinness as the only two options in the centre of defence for Wilder, as this is an area he will almost certainly need to address, and should be looking to do by making a move for Leicester City's Harry Souttar following his performance for Australia against Türkiye at the World Cup.

Souttar, 27, played alongside Alessandro Circati and Swansea City's Cameron Burgess in a back three for the Socceroos, as goals from Connor Metcalfe and Watford's Nestory Irankunda gave Australia a 2-0 win over their European opposition in their first group game.

The six-foot-seven-inch defender starred in the heart of defence for his nation, and his performance will no doubt remind those across the EFL and Europe of his capabilities, having only recently returned to action after a prolonged period out.

Souttar suffered a cruciate ligament injury while on international duty with Australia in late 2021 and spent nearly a year out of action before just about returning in time for the 2022 World Cup, where he performed exceptionally, earning him a £15 million move to Leicester in January 2023.

Unfortunately for the Scottish-born Aussie, his time with the Foxes has had numerous challenges, from falling out of favour under Enzo Maresca to suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon whilst on loan with Sheffield United in late 2024.

Souttar has since played just three professional games since then, with one of those being his exceptional display against Türkiye on Sunday morning.

According to Sofascore, Souttar made 17 defensive contributions and won six duels across the game, both match highs, as he slotted into the Australian back line so seamlessly that you'd never have guessed he spent the last 18 months out of action.

With that in mind, Sheffield United must take advantage of Leicester's relegation by revisiting a move for Souttar this summer, who could be available on the cheap following the Foxes' predicament.

Souttar showed exactly what he is capable of during his spell on loan at Bramall Lane, and knows exactly what Wilder expects from him.

He would be an excellent addition to the Blades ranks, and his performance for Australia proves he is still a more than competent defender at the highest level despite his injury woes.

Chris Wilder must test the waters over a Harry Souttar reunification following the Leicester City defender's epic Australia performance

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With Sheffield United almost certainly in the market for another central defender this summer, Wilder could do a lot worse than revisit a move for Souttar.

Leicester's relegation means they will be keen to shift almost all of their high earners off the books, including Souttar, and should be aiming to strike a cut-price deal with the Foxes following their relegation.

Despite spending less than six months at Bramall Lane, Souttar showed what he is capable of in South Yorkshire, and a return to the club this summer could be the best case scenario for all involved.