The summer transfer window will officially open for business next Monday, meaning everyone associated with Sheffield United is hoping they will hit the ground running.
After finishing an underwhelming 13th in the Championship in 2025/26, United have ambitions of finishing much higher up the table next term. An expanded play-off system means the top eight will be in with a shot of earning promotion to the Premier League next term.
United had the ninth-best record in the division between Chris Wilder’s return last September and the end of the season, meaning everyone hopes they will be able to drag themselves into play-off contention in 2026/27 and target a return to the Premier League. The Blades boss wants to add experience and Championship pedigree to his squad after too many recruitment errors were made last summer ahead of his return.
Although fresh blood is required this summer, more exits are expected. United said farewell to a crop of big names last summer and there is a chance they could do the same again this time around.
With less than a week to go until this summer’s window opens, here is a whistle-stop run-down of how those who left Bramall Lane on permanent deals last summer have got on since.
1. Vinícius Souza – Wolfsburg
Following a stellar 2024/25 campaign at Bramall Lane, Souza was sold in July last year, joining German club VfL Wolfsburg on a five-year deal for an undisclosed fee. His maiden season in Germany saw him rack up 28 appearances in all competitions, including 24 in the Bundesliga. Unfortunately for the Brazilian, his first season with Wolfsburg ended in relegation from the Bundesliga after they were beaten by SC Paderborn in a relegation/promotion play-off. They will compete outside the German top flight for the first time in 29 years next season. | Getty Images
2. Mguel Freckleton – St Mirren
After being sent out on loan on four occasions during his four years at Bramall Lane, defender Freckleton joined St Mirren on a permanent basis last July, signing a two-year deal. The 22-year-old, who never made a single appearance for the Blades, enjoyed a successful first season in Scotland, helping St Mirren win the Scottish League Cup for only the second time in their history. He also helped them reach the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup before helping them avoid relegation via the promotion/relegation play-off. | Getty Images
3. Anel Ahmedhodžić – Feyenoord
With just a year left on his contract at Bramall Lane, United made the decision to cash-in on Ahmedhodžić last July, selling him to Feyenoord for a fee understood to be in the region of £7million. The 27-year-old’s maiden season with the Dutch outfit consisted of 36 appearances in all competitions, including seven in the Europa League. Sent off on one occasion, Ahmedhodžić helped Feyenoord finish second in the Eredivisie, albeit 19 points behind champions PSV Eindhoven. | Getty Images
4. Kieffer Moore – Wrexham
Moore swapped Bramall Lane for the Racecourse Ground last July, joining Wrexham for an undisclosed fee thought to be in the region of £2million. Moore was not part of Rubén Sellés’ plans, meaning it made sense for United, at that juncture, to cash-in. Moore’s maiden season with Wrexham so nearly ended with them securing a Championship play-off spot, missing out on the top six by just two points. He scored 13 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions, meaning he enjoyed a successful first season in north Wales. | Getty Images