⚔️ The Shoreham Journal - What to expect from Sheffield United this window
What can we expect from Sheffield United during the summer transfer window... 🗞️
Hello and welcome to The Shoreham Journal, a free newsletter all about Sheffield United Football Club. In today’s edition, we take a look at why United’s transfer window has been quiet so far.
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No need for urgency ⚽️
The Shoreham Journal says… A little bit of anxiety seems to be creeping in among Sheffield United fans.
It’s been a chaotic few weeks at Bramall Lane, with Chris Wilder’s departure and Ruben Selles’ arrival. This coincides with countless reports about data-driven recruitment and has left United fans worrying about this summer.
Whether it be making a statement signing, or simply introducing a known face to the squad, United supporters are desperate to see some activity in the transfer market. But it’s easy to see why nothing has happened yet.
Let’s remember, United’s current squad, bar a few loans here or there, won 92 points last season and reached the play-off final. This is already a competitive squad at Championship level that doesn’t need much work.
Teams don’t necessarily need to go big in the market. Just look at Liverpool, a side that won the Premier League title last season by bringing in just one player during the summer, Federico Chiesa, and he barely even played.
And, with just over a month to go before the new season, the Blades still have Gus Hamer on their books, with limited speculation over his future. There’s a real possibility United will keep Hamer and only sign a handful of players this summer, perhaps to replace the likes of Harry Souttar and Hamza Choudhury.
Right now, it’s only Vini Souza who looks like leaving Bramall Lane. The Brazilian is believed to be close to joining Wolfsburg (at the time of writing, no deal has been confirmed). Losing Souza isn’t ideal, but if he’s the only big player to leave this summer, that’ll be a good result for the Blades. Choudhury, when called upon in defensive midfield during the back half of last season, also proved that Souza isn’t indispensable.
United fans need to keep calm and carry on. Many of last summer’s signings - such as Michael Cooper (August 15), Harrison Burrows (July 27) and Tyrese Campbell (August 11) - were not signed until late in the window.
Last year, United’s squad needed revolution; this year, it’s evolution. There’s no need to panic… not just yet, at least.
Latest transfer news 🗞️
🇫🇷 United are interested in signing Etienne Kinkoue from Le Havre, according to Fabrizio Romano. The 23-year-old centre-back has represented France at youth level and made 28 Ligue 1 appearances last season. As relayed by The Bladesman X account, United, Burnley and German side FC Koln are the three teams chasing Kinkoue, with Le Havre wanting £4.3 million for the player.
⚽️ As reported in the previous edition of The Shoreham Journal, the Blades are after Swindon’s Botan Ameen. It’s believed United have already made an offer for the 18-year-old forward, but they are yet to meet Swindon’s asking price, with Robins boss Ian Holloway claiming “nobody big enough for him has come in yet” in a scathing transfer verdict.
👀 A new report, shared by the Mainly Things Sheffield United X account, claims United’s initial bid for Ameen wasn’t even half of Swindon’s €2 million (£1.7 million) valuation of the player. If you want to find out more about Ameen, check out Andrew McMath’s profile of him in the Sheff United Way.
🏴 Former Blades winger David Brooks appears to be a man in demand this summer, but he’s not heading to West Brom. The BBC’s Steve Hermon confirmed as much on Tuesday, with Birmingham City believed to be among those in the running for the Wales international.
😍 With Brooks not off to West Brom, many United fans are dreaming of him playing at Bramall Lane again come August. Brooks became a superstar after breaking into United’s starting XI during the 2017-18 season, famously nutmegging Jack Hunt during the Steel City derby and scoring the winner against Leeds at Elland Road.
⚽️ Brooks joined Bournemouth in the summer of 2018 and enjoyed an excellent season in 2018-19, scoring seven times in the Premier League. Yet he’s suffered with injuries since then, even overcoming cancer a few years back. Brooks turns 28 this month, so there’s still plenty of time for him to regain his best form, and a summer move to the Championship seems likely. Yet there’s nothing to suggest he’s heading back to United.
❌ One player who definitely isn’t heading to South Yorkshire this summer is Tommy Doyle, who has joined Birmingham City on a season-long loan. The 23-year-old former United midfielder was linked with a return to Bramall Lane, but he’s opted to join the club backed by NFL legend Tom Brady.
“Motivated for the season ahead,” wrote Doyle on X after joining the Blues. “Big goals to achieve. Can’t wait to get started.”
🏴 Oli McBurnie’s preference is a move to Hull, according to HullLive. The 29-year-old is available on a free transfer after Las Palmas’ relegation from La Liga and has recently been linked with a return to Bramall Lane. Yet it appears the Tigers are inching closer to securing the striker’s services.
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😬 Former Blackburn striker Matt Jansen believes new Hull manager Sergej Jakirovic is an upgrade on Selles, which is hardly a ringing endorsement of United’s new boss. Jansen made the claim during a chat with Live Casinos, with the quotes published by HullLive.
“I think Sergej Jakirovic is an upgrade on Ruben Selles,” said Jansen. “I don't know much about him, but looking at his win percentage, you can't argue with it. The stats don't usually lie, and the proof in the pudding will be how well he does in his first year, and see if he can build on it.”
The Shoreham Journal says… 🗣️
A good, early chance for Selles to prove his critics wrong. Jansen won’t be the last person to write off United and their manager during the upcoming Championship season.
🎟️ The Blades have been allocated 2,117 tickets for their trip to York on Tuesday, July 15. Adult tickets are priced at £15. See United’s website for more information.
🎫 Ticket details for the pre-season trip to Rotherham on Saturday, July 19, have also been announced. The Blades have received 2,195 tickets, with adults costing £15. Those who buy their ticket on the day of the game will have to pay an additional £2. Again, visit United’s website for more information.